Horror Movie Review: What the Waters Left Behind: Scars (2022)

Released in 2017, What the Waters Left Behind (original title: Los olvidados) is an Argentinian horror film written and directed by the brother team of Luciano Onetti and Nicolás Onetti. It utilised the real-life tragedy of the town of Epecuén in the Buenos Aires Province of Argentina to tell its story. A tragedy that occurred in 1985 and saw the entire town submerged by flood water and destroyed.

In 2009, the waters receded but the town remains in ruins.

What the Waters Left Behind was a solid horror flick. A gritty, nasty and cold experience that drew all of its inspiration from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. What the Waters Left Behind: Scars follows suit but digs a bit deeper into other areas of Argentinian history, areas such as the Falklands war.

Nicolás Onetti returns as director with Camilo Zaffora taking on writing duties. The movie stars Agustin Olcese, Clara Kovacic, Magui Bravi, Maria Eugenia Rigon, Matías Desiderio, Juan Pablo Bishel, Germán Baudino, Chucho Fernández, Mario Alarcón, David Michigan, and Paula Brasca.

A rock band on tour has had about enough of small and uninterested crowds, crappy venues, and life on the road. They are all starting to get on each other’s nerves and the constant bickering is stressing everyone out.

After one of the band members picks up a girl at the show, they agree to take her home, which just so happens to be Epecuén. A big mistake, as this town isn’t empty anymore. It’s home to a psychotic family who like nothing more than to torture, mutilate, rape, and eat their victims.

That’s What the Waters Left Behind: Scars in a nutshell and just like the original, it’s extremely grim watching. A constant slew of violent scenes and abhorrent behaviour. Which will be distinctly off-putting to many. However, for all the grime that the movie is covered in, it’s a bit of a gem. Mainly because it tells a coherent story, has a strong cast, and startling moments of gore.

If you want something that epitomises horror, a scenario that no-one would ever want to be in, it will deliver.

Just like the first film, a major appealing aspect of this film is the location and the aerial shots of the town are awe-inspiring. It is a shame that the latter part of the film takes place underground and in dingy rooms. Likewise, it’s a shame the victims weren’t written to be more likeable. Which would have really helped make the viewer care more about their plight.

There are also a few too many villains, which doesn’t result in enough screen time for everyone. Finally, just like the first film, What the Waters Left Behind: Scars features rape and sexual violence scenes. Both of which are uncomfortable and extremely unnecessary. It’s a grim watch without this stuff, so it ends up being overkill.

What the Waters Left Behind: Scars isn’t better or worse than the original. Its sits alongside it as another nasty slice of Argentinian bleakness. If we do get a third, it would be nice to see the idea really expanded upon.