There are films taking inspiration from other works, and the homage is usually well accepted by the public. But when a sequel brings less than its previous installment, even when that chapter didn’t prove to be superior either, we can assume there is a problem of execution and creativity.

In What The Waters Left Behind: Scars, we now join a rock band traveling through Argentina. After a show, the band’s drummer meets a local girl, who offers to give her a ride back to her home. After the rest of the members disagree in doing so, the girl gets upset and threatens to take revenge for her mistreatment. When they end up stranded looking for the drummer who decides to run after the girl to win her back, they realize the place of their next show is emptier than their gigs. This unpredicted journey could be the band’s last tour, if they don’t manage to flee from the inhabitants lurking around.

What The Waters Left Behind: Scars is a sequel to 2017’s What The Waters Left Behind. Unlike its predecessor, only one of the Onetti brothers (Nicolas Onetti) is in charge of the project.

This time, it seems the essence of torture porn has been set aside to bring a plot where the family of blood-thirsty cannibals wants to end their patriarchy, without taking into account they are their own enemies. The story leaves many loose ends, and the victims are superfluous for the intention of the development of the antagonists– which also didn’t have a great discovery since it’s expected the audience has enough information with what was previously shown during the first entry that also lacked development.

The sequel leaves a lot to be desired by avoiding the level it reached during its first installment. It is worth mentioning the 2017 film was not a masterpiece in writing or acting, but it shines for its great eye in cinematography. The way the resurfaced city of Epecuén is seen through the lense gives it a dreary depth of abandonment– like a final destination limbo instead of a tourist spot. Meanwhile, What The Waters Left Behind: Scars shows a glimpse of its predecessor through the layout of the city, and forgets much of the pain caused on the characters and their false hopes of survival.

What The Waters Left Behind: Scars is a sequel without reason or motive. It might not shock viewers by sticking to the plots of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre and The Hills Have Eyes. This new addition won’t help bring newcomers to the club, and it might push away the ones who stayed– I guess the title would be ironic, if it happens.

3 OUT OF 10 RVs