The 2017 movie had all the ingredients to mix an awesome horror movie... it was gritty, had some gore, and a rather dark tone. Yet the What the Waters Left Behind didn't quite get over the mark to make itself memorable. Some five years later, we are now presented with a sequel and I am certainly curious as to what returning director Nicolás Onetti (this time without his co-directing brother) has in store for us this time.
Based on true events, the city of Epecuén spent a quarter of a century underwater. When the waters eventually pulled back, no one wanted to return. The images of the broken-down ghost town already give off quite a unique and creepy vibe. There's a distinct familiarity with Scars, however. The dwelling family of cannibals is somewhat reminiscent of the Wrong Turn or The Hills Have Eyes movies. The brutality the band members face during their period of captivity is quite upsetting, but nothing that hardened horror fans won't already be accustomed to.
At only 85 minutes, the pacing is quite swift. In fact, if there's one complaint about this movie, it would be the short run time. I would personally have welcomed a slower pace with a little more insight into the inner workings of the family and how they survive, as well as more time with the band members during their tour.
On the positive side, the brutality and spats of gore are on point. And the band members (with Carla from the opposing team) are quite attractive.
Overall I liked Scars a little more than the previous movie. It's exactly what you would expect from a movie of this type and it's a breeze to get through.
