Argentine Landscape Elevates Slasher Genre

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MOVIE REVIEW
What the Waters Left Behind: Scars
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Genre: Horror
Year Released: 2022, 2023 Cleopatra Entertainment Blu-ray (DVD also available)
Runtime: 1 30m
Director(s): Nicolás Onetti
Writer(s): Camilo Zaffora
Cast: Agustin Olcese, Clara Kovacic, German Baudino, Juan Pablo Bishel, Magui Bravi, Maria Rigon, Matias Desiderio
Where To Watch: available July 11, 2023, pre-order here www.mvdshop.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: Welcome to the grizzly reality of WHAT THE WATERS LEFT BEHIND: SCARS. Helmed by Nicolás Onetti, this sequel to 2017's WHAT THE WATERS LEFT BEHIND immerses us in a sinister narrative where an Anglo-American indie rock band's swan song tour spirals into a petrifying nightmare.

The drama unfolds in a remote locale, where mounting tension amongst band members flings open the gateways to a dreadful reality. The notorious Billy Bob, personified by Matías Desiderio, crafts chaos that leaves the band stranded after his romantic escapade. The remaining members, Jane (Clara Kovacic,) Mark (Juan Pablo Bishel,) Javi (Agustin Olcese,) and Sophine (Maria Eugenia Rigon) are thrust into the spine-chilling remnants of Epecuén, a village in Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. “On November 6, 1985, a seiche, caused by a rare weather pattern, broke a nearby dam, and then the dike protecting the village; the water rose progressively, reaching a peak of 10 meters (33 ft). The village became uninhabitable and was never rebuilt.”

Camilo Zaffora wrote the screenplay, resonating with eerie undertones of classic horror films, albeit with a minor stumble – the band sometimes comes across as more irritable than relatable. During their Argentine tour, our rocking ensemble bumps into Carla (Magui Bravi.) This encounter marks their unanticipated entry into the desolate and terror-infused landscape of Epecuén. María Fernanda Curci's eerily realistic makeup design and mostly practical effects magnify the horror exuded by the villains in the film.

This sequel comes five years after its highly-praised predecessor; Onetti directs a particular film to keep the audience on edge, leading us into darker territory as the band ventures into Epecuén, subtly hinting at influences from famed horror films of the past. Undoubtedly, this is an homage in many ways to the movies that have built this genre over the years.

The narrative may sometimes trip, but with its stunning cinematography, especially showing the “lost city” of Epecuén, it makes you feel like you’re actually in their world and offers an eerily beautiful visual experience. The film crafts a unique charm for those who appreciate a hearty dose of horror.

One of the film's most impressive and unexpected moments is the physical brutality punctuated by exquisitely gruesome scenes of torture and gore. Previously I had given Rob Zombie a lot of credit for pushing boundaries, but these scenes' editing and practical effects save this film. Despite a predictable storyline, the unexpected twist ensures that even if the film isn’t your cup of tea, it will still shock you. WHAT THE WATERS LEFT BEHIND: SCARS builds upon its precursor, setting it a notch above other rustic slasher narratives.

Bonus Materials:
– Includes bonus Trailers
– Slide Show
& more!

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[photo courtesy of CLEOPATRA ENTERTAINMENT, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]