movie review chupa

Advertisement

Supported by

‘Chupa’ Review: A Terrifying Myth Made Cuddly

On a trip to his grandfather’s ranch in Mexico, a boy makes an astonishing discovery that turns into a family adventure.

• Share full article

By Concepción de León

Alex is an outcast at his school in Kansas City — for the picadillo he brings for lunch (“It’s just hamburger meat,” he tells one bully), for the video games he plays, and for apparently being the only Mexican kid in the lunchroom.

At home, Alex (Evan Whitten) reacts by rejecting Mexican cuisine and refusing to learn Spanish. When his mother reminds him that he is heading to Mexico to visit his grandfather over spring break, he groans. But the trip surprises him, in no small part because of the adorable mythical creature, a baby chupacabra, he encounters in his grandfather’s barn.

Inspired by the Latin American legend of the bloodsucking creature, “Chupa,” directed by Jonás Cuarón, makes a family adventure out of a traditionally horrifying subject. Set in the late 1990s, the film follows Alex, his grandfather Chava (Demián Bichir), a former lucha libre champion, and his cousins Memo (Nickolas Verdugo) and Luna (Ashley Ciarra) as they try to protect Chupa from capture by an American scientist, Richard Quinn (Christian Slater). All the while, Alex learns to accept and embrace his roots.

Though the characters are charming and well-defined, it’s hard to become invested in their story lines because their relationships are not given enough time to develop. The stakes do not feel high enough, with Quinn seeming more like a cartoon villain than a true menace (it’s not clear what exactly he plans to do with Chupa). And though the concept is promising, and some moments are tender, one wishes the film had delved deeper into the chupacabra myth and the characters’ stories to make for a more satisfying watch.

Chupa Rated PG. Running time: 1 hour 35 minutes. Watch on Netflix .

Concepción de León is a writer and book editor based in New York. More about Concepción de León

Explore More in TV and Movies

Not sure what to watch next we can help..

Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig have wound in and out of each other’s lives and careers for decades. Now they are both headlining an Apple TV+ comedy of wealth and status .

Nicholas Galitzine, known for playing princes and their modern equivalents, hopes his steamy new drama, “Mary & George,” will change how Hollywood sees him .

Ewan McGregor and Mary Elizabeth met while filming “Fargo” in 2017. Now married, they have reunited onscreen in “A Gentleman in Moscow.”

A reboot of “Gladiators,” the musclebound 1990s staple, has attracted millions of viewers in Britain. Is appointment television back ?

If you are overwhelmed by the endless options, don’t despair — we put together the best offerings   on Netflix , Max , Disney+ , Amazon Prime  and Hulu  to make choosing your next binge a little easier.

Sign up for our Watching newsletter  to get recommendations on the best films and TV shows to stream and watch, delivered to your inbox.

Common Sense Media

Movie & TV reviews for parents

• For Parents
• For Educators
• Our Work and Impact

Or browse by category:

• Get the app
• Movie Reviews
• Best Movie Lists
• Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

• Best TV Lists
• Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
• Common Sense Selections for TV
• Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

• Book Reviews
• Best Book Lists
• Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

• Game Reviews
• Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

• Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

• Podcast Reviews
• Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

• App Reviews
• Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

• YouTube Channel Reviews
• YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

YouTube Kids Channels for Gamers

• Preschoolers (2-4)
• Little Kids (5-7)
• Big Kids (8-9)
• Pre-Teens (10-12)
• Teens (13+)
• Screen Time
• Social Media
• Online Safety
• Identity and Community

Explaining the News to Our Kids

• Family Tech Planners
• Digital Skills
• All Articles
• Latino Culture
• Black Voices
• Asian Stories
• Native Narratives
• LGBTQ+ Pride
• Best of Diverse Representation List

Celebrating Black History Month

Movies and TV Shows with Arab Leads

Celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

Common sense media reviewers.

Fantasy adventure has mythical beasts, peril, life lessons.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Heritage is something to be proud of. Cultural dif

Memo and Luna immediately embrace their English-sp

The film is set in Mexico, where a young boy being

The full-grown chupacabra, which feeds off the blo

"Hell," "heck," "stupid," "scoundrel," and "loser.

1990s-era brands are glimpsed or mentioned, like t

Parents need to know that Chupa is a fantasy adventure set in 1990s Mexico directed by Jonás Cuarón (Alfonso's son) that focuses on a child of immigrants learning to appreciate his heritage and culture. Expect some violent and potentially frightening scenes, as well as themes of family, love, and loss…

Positive Messages

Heritage is something to be proud of. Cultural differences should be celebrated. Speaking two languages is better than one. It's important to process grief and try to move on from loss. Family cares for family. Wild animals deserve preservation and care, not capture and destruction.

Positive Role Models

Memo and Luna immediately embrace their English-speaking cousin as part of the family. Chava is protective of his grandkids, as they are of him. They're all kind to and protective toward the abandoned chupacabra cub. Chava tries to help Alex process the grief of losing his father. Alex learns to be proud of his roots. Backed by profit-driven investors and a belief they can help humanity by capturing and harnessing power from the chupacabras, scientists risk lives in their pursuit.

Diverse Representations

The film is set in Mexico, where a young boy being raised in the United States by Mexico-born parents is sent for spring break to get to know his extended family better. There, he learns about various aspects of Mexican culture, including specific kinds of food, entertainment, and modern legends like the chupacabra. He learns to appreciate his heritage and second language, rather than be ashamed of them, as he has been back home in his all-White Kansas City school. He's bullied by White classmates for being different, called "taquito" and teased for the Mexican food he brings for lunch. He and his Mexican family members speak to each other in a mix of Spanish and English.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

The full-grown chupacabra, which feeds off the blood of goats like a vampire, is depicted as a scary creature with retractable claws and wide wings, capable of stopping a moving vehicle. When scientists try to capture an adult chupacabra, the beast beats them back, knocking several people over. When it's hit by a car, it has to abandon its cub in the wild. References to a child's parent dying of cancer. They are also bullied and called names at school for being different (and Mexican). In one scary scene, they are attacked by a lion and nearly fall to their death. A grandparent has dementia and sometimes gets lost. Old footage of lucha libre wrestling shows people being knocked out in the ring. Reference to someone being thrown to the ground in a long-ago fight that left them in a coma with a skull fracture. A grandparent fights with their grandchild to teach them a lesson, but ends up getting hurt themselves. A scientist chases and threatens a group of people with a taser, and shoots tranquilizer darts at the chupacabras.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

"Hell," "heck," "stupid," "scoundrel," and "loser."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

1990s-era brands are glimpsed or mentioned, like the Beastie Boys, Jurassic Park, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Pac Man. Also: Nike, Jansport, VW, Game Boy, Walkman, Mexicana, and various news outlets.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Chupa is a fantasy adventure set in 1990s Mexico directed by Jonás Cuarón ( Alfonso 's son) that focuses on a child of immigrants learning to appreciate his heritage and culture. Expect some violent and potentially frightening scenes, as well as themes of family, love, and loss. The main character, Alex (Evan Whitten), lost his father to cancer and is dealing with grief. He's also bullied at school for being "different" (read: Mexican). In Mexico, his grandpa Chava ( Demián Bichir ) has dementia that the doctor says is progressing rapidly, and sometimes he goes missing. Alex is caught up in an adventure involving the discovery of an abandoned cub of an elusive, if not mythical, creature, the chupacabra. A group of scientists -- one of whom is played by Christian Slater -- are trying to capture the creature for their own profit and ostensibly to help humanity. They shoot tranquilizer guns at the creatures and chase them and the humans into perilous situations. But the creatures fight back. In one scene, Alex is nearly attacked by a lion and falls off a collapsing bridge into a deep canyon. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

• Parents say (9)
• Kids say (3)

Based on 9 parent reviews

Watch it! Kids will love it

Several scenes require subtitles, what's the story.

In CHUPA, 13-year-old Alex (Evan Whitten) is being raised by his Mexico-born mom in 1990s Kansas City. His dad recently passed away, and Alex is the target of bullies at school for being shy, and for being Mexican. Against his wishes, he's sent to Mexico to spend spring break with his extended family, including grandpa Chava ( Demián Bichir ), younger cousin Memo (Nickolas Verdugo), and older cousin Luna (Ashley Ciarra). He bonds with his cousins and discovers his grandpa was a famous wrestler who is now experiencing memory loss. One day Alex finds a strange creature on his grandfather's property. It's a chupacabra, a cub of the legendary creature. Meanwhile, scientist Richard Quinn ( Christian Slater ) is on the hunt for the cub and its family, hoping to harness their powers, and he'll stop at nothing to capture his prey.

Is It Any Good?

Jurassic Park meets E.T. and Gremlins in this sweet but imperfect Mexico-set kids adventure. Though Netflix has encountered some online teasing for the movie's title, which can have sexual connotations in Spanish, Chupa in the film is the innocent nickname a child gives to the cub of the legendary figure of the goat-blood-sucking chupacabra. The magic of the pink-and-blue feathered creature is one of the film's strengths, especially the adorable moments of boy-beast bonding. Chupa's parents might be fearsome, but the cub looks and sounds like a huggable stuffed animal. Charming scenes show Alex tearfully singing Chupa a lullaby his own deceased dad used to sing to him and telling the creature he doesn't have to be alone anymore -- "I'll be your family" -- and Chupa harnessing his own powers to save Alex.

The film's themes of love, loss, and family are layered into a tale of a first-generation Mexican American middle-schooler learning to appreciate his roots, a uniqueness that makes him an outcast back home. Veteran Bichir and newcomers Ciarra and Verdugo make an appealing family unit. A lot of worthwhile messages are delivered here, and some unique cultural aspects are highlighted, like the masked, acrobatic wrestling phenomenon of lucha libre. Mexican American audiences in particular may appreciate the celebration of Mexican culture seen through the eyes of a boy raised in the United States, as well as the mix of Spanish and English in the script. That said, there's nothing subtle in the way the film sets up and resolves the personal issues of the main character, nor in what he learns of Mexico. Though Slater appears to be having a ball, his bad guy scientist feels like an amalgam of other characters we've seen before on screen.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about the violence and peril in Chupa . Did the fantasy elements reduce the impact? If so, why? What's the impact of media violence on kids?

Why did Alex reject his Mexican culture at the start of the movie? Did you understand his feelings? What did he learn during his visit to Mexico that seemed to change his attitude? What role did communication play in this change?

Talk about the legend of the chupacabra. Had you heard about it before? What other mythical creatures can you think of?

Did you think Quinn crossed a professional line in his pursuit of the chupacabra, or was he just doing his job? Were his intentions good or did he have other motivations?

The film is set in the 1990s. Where did you see the time period reflected in the movie?

Movie Details

• On DVD or streaming : April 7, 2023
• Cast : Evan Whitten , Christian Slater , Demian Bichir
• Director : Jonas Cuaron
• Inclusion Information : Latino directors, Latino actors, Middle Eastern/North African actors
• Studio : Netflix
• Genre : Action/Adventure
• Topics : Magic and Fantasy , Sports and Martial Arts , Friendship , Horses and Farm Animals , Middle School , Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
• Character Strengths : Communication
• Run time : 95 minutes
• MPAA rating : PG
• MPAA explanation : some action, peril and thematic elements
• Last updated : August 25, 2023

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

Our editors recommend.

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial

Jurassic Park

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark

Best Fantasy Movies

Best movies with mexican and mexican american characters, related topics.

• Communication
• Magic and Fantasy
• Sports and Martial Arts
• Horses and Farm Animals
• Middle School
• Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires

Want suggestions based on your streaming services? Get personalized recommendations

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

• Upcoming Movies and TV shows
• Trivia & Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
• Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

Movies / TV

No results found.

• What's the Tomatometer®?
• Login/signup

Movies in theaters

• Opening this week
• Top box office
• Coming soon to theaters
• Certified fresh movies

Movies at home

• Netflix streaming
• Prime Video
• Most popular streaming movies
• What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

• Monkey Man Link to Monkey Man
• The First Omen Link to The First Omen
• The Beast Link to The Beast

New TV Tonight

• Chucky: Season 3
• Mr Bates vs The Post Office: Season 1
• Fallout: Season 1
• Franklin: Season 1
• Dora: Season 1
• Good Times: Season 1
• Beacon 23: Season 2

Most Popular TV on RT

• Ripley: Season 1
• Sugar: Season 1
• 3 Body Problem: Season 1
• A Gentleman in Moscow: Season 1
• Parasyte: The Grey: Season 1
• Shōgun: Season 1
• We Were the Lucky Ones: Season 1
• The Gentlemen: Season 1
• Palm Royale: Season 1
• Best TV Shows
• Most Popular TV
• TV & Streaming News

Certified fresh pick

• Ripley Link to Ripley
• All-Time Lists
• Binge Guide
• Comics on TV
• Five Favorite Films
• Video Interviews
• Weekend Box Office
• Weekly Ketchup
• What to Watch

Best Movies of 2024: Best New Movies to Watch Now

25 Most Popular TV Shows Right Now: What to Watch on Streaming

What to Watch: In Theaters and On Streaming

Awards Tour

Weekend Box Office Results: Godzilla x Kong Holds Strong

The Most Anticipated Movies of 2024

• Trending on RT
• Play Movie Trivia

Chupa Reviews

Chupa is very well put together, nicely filmed and performed, pays homage to Spielberg early and often – and will engross the children on the couch for 95 minutes, no worries at all.

Full Review | Apr 18, 2023

The film is harmless fun handled well enough thanks to the young cast, solid work from Bichir, and this cuddly winged beast.

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10 | Apr 16, 2023

While Chupa has a lot of heart and a touching bond between the kids and the creature, it falls short in terms of delivering consistent thrills.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 14, 2023

Chupa is not a perfect or even near-perfect film, but its genuine charm and attempt at being culturally-nuanced make it a film worth watching.

Full Review | Original Score: 6.5/10 | Apr 13, 2023

Mexican American audiences in particular may appreciate the celebration of Mexican culture seen through the eyes of a boy raised in the United States, as well as the mix of Spanish and English in the script.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 12, 2023

The characters in “Chupa” are likable and memorable, with a fun dynamic. And Cuarón... creates a rich sense of place here, encouraging the viewers to come to love Mexico as much as Alex eventually does.

Full Review | Apr 11, 2023

While there’s nothing new to the story of a child befriending a mythical creature and protecting it from evil adults, Chupa introduces this heartwarming trope to a new generation. And it does a great job with it.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Apr 11, 2023

Cuarón provides more than just a copycat. It's a soaring adventure film that provides the kind of entertainment for the whole family that has recently been farmed out to franchises.

Full Review | Apr 10, 2023

Despite having a recognizable cast and a promising plot, the film's execution fails to convey a memorable or transcendental experience. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Original Score: 4/10 | Apr 10, 2023

An uneven and somewhat generic film, but it can be appreciated that it is made with honesty and innocuousness. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 10, 2023

While Chupa may not be perfect, it does offer plenty of cheer-inducing moments. With this much heart, it’s no wonder that Netflix continues to platform fun adventure films for younger audiences.

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10 | Apr 8, 2023

You find yourself wondering if it restrains its more unique aspects by going one cliché too far, unable to see the depth of its young heroes past the hammy villain getting his inevitable comeuppance.

Full Review | Apr 8, 2023

It has the flavor of a south-of-the-border Amblin movie, aimed at kids, which makes some of the more clichéd elements forgivable.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Apr 7, 2023

The little Chupa was so cute.

Full Review | Apr 7, 2023

A sweet but very minor movie.

“Chupa” willfully becomes one of those family films that takes plenty from the toy box of cliches left before and hardly gives anything back.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Apr 7, 2023

There isn’t much to this that will appeal to anybody over the age of eight. But the film’s real sin is in how it shortchanges the legend and the Mexicanness of all this.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/4 | Apr 7, 2023

A sweet, thoughtful adventure about family, celebrating heritage, and flipping the bird to bad guys who'd pursue magical creatures for money.

Chupa isn’t a perfect film, but it’s a really great kid’s movie that uses fantasy to tell a story about culture and family. With a scheming American scientist thrown in, the film is one I want every kid in my extended family to watch.

Full Review | Original Score: 7.5/10 | Apr 7, 2023

Chupa is in a rush to get to the major points of its clichéd, predictable plot.

‘Chupa’ Review: Jonás Cuarón Applies the Amblin Formula to a Fluffy Mexican Creature Feature

Three kids discover an endangered chupacabra cub in this cuddly family movie, which owes more to 'E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial' than it does to Guillermo del Toro's dark fantasies.

By Peter Debruge

Peter Debruge

Chief Film Critic

• Critic’s Notebook: Sharper Than Ever, French Crime Classic ‘Le Samouraï’ Might Be the Coolest Film Ever Made 56 mins ago
• Don’t Believe What You Read About ‘Liarmouth,’ Says John Waters, Whose Next Movie Is Still Up in the Air 1 day ago
• ‘The First Omen’ Review: A Decently Executed Prequel Pales Next to Superior ‘Immaculate’ 5 days ago

According to legend, the chupacabra is a fearsome, blood-sucking beast — a lean and intimidating animal you wouldn’t want to come across feasting on your livestock at night. Not so the cub three kids nickname “ Chupa ” (Spanish for “sucker”) in Mexican director Jonás Cuarón’s family-friendly Netflix movie. This one looks like a fuzzy-wuzzy baby lynx, with inquisitive amber eyes and a pair of awkward azure wings it still hasn’t learned how to use. A single glimpse of this oversized kitten and you’ll want one for your own, if not the plush version to snuggle up with at night.

The boy lives in Kansas City, but is being sent to Mexico for the summer to reconnect with his ex-luchador grandfather Chava (Demián Bichir) and cousins Memo (Nickolas Verdugo) and Luna (Ashley Ciarra). Listen to the music as he lands, and you’ll hear composer Carlos Rafael Rivera offering a low-key version of the John Williams theme that plays as Hammond’s helicopters fly over Isla Nublar at the beginning of “Jurassic Park.” Cuarón and DP Nico Aguilar like to keep the camera moving, craning up and down or dollying to give the film that slick summer-movie feel, despite what was clearly a far more limited budget.

The fact that his target audience isn’t old enough to remember movies like “E.T.” or “Harry and the Hendersons” means Cuarón and screenwriters Sean Kennedy Moore, Joe Barnathan and Marcus Rinehart are free to pinch from others in assembling their own would-be classic. For example, Christian Slater ’s character, Richard Quinn, was clearly inspired by Sam Neill’s iconic paleontologist, Alan Grant, sporting a similar fedora and specs when he’s first introduced in the field. Quinn’s obsessed with proving that chupacabras really exist, though he’s not interested in their well-being so much as their rumored healing powers, which he intends to sell to the American medical industry for a pretty profit.

Quinn gets pretty close to capturing a frightened chupacabra cub in the opening scene, but is blindsided by its angry mother. Both animals escape the cave where Quinn has cornered them, only to be badly wounded by a passing car. That’s where Alex comes in. None too keen to be banished to his grandfather’s boring farm, Alex is delighted to discover such an exotic companion, bonding with the newly christened “Chupa” in all sorts of adorable ways (including singing “En Tus Sueños” together in a nice nod to “Gremlins”).

The movie was produced by family-film vets Chris Columbus and Michael Barnathan, whose involvement with the “Harry Potter” franchise gave them plenty of experience with computer-generated critters. Cuarón embraces their benign, audience-appeasing instincts (as opposed to Guillermo del Toro’s darker sensibility), eliminating even the chance that chupacabras might hurt the Mexican characters — whereas the Bad American gets attacked by several at once. The director could use a bit more practice working with kids, who give stiff and slightly unnatural performances here (Ciarra seems the most comfortable on camera), to say nothing of the so-so visual effects, which favor cute over convincing where the CG chimera is concerned.

Despite its setting, the movie features majority-English dialogue. That’s a curious choice, since the entire adventure is intended to teach Alex to appreciate his Mexican heritage — and also because what “Chupa” had going for it was a willingness to tailor the fantasy-pet formula to Latino audiences. Who knows, the movie may actually play best to those who’ve never heard the word “chupacabra” and therefore have no expectations about what one might look like. But it also risks turning this half-bird, half-cat creature into the other sort of chimera: a dream that doesn’t quite come true.

Reviewed at Roma screening room, Los Angeles, April 4, 2023. MPA Rating: PG. Running time: 95 MIN.

• Production: A Netflix release and presentation of a 26th Street Pictures production. Producers: Chris Columbus, Mark Radcliffe, Michael Barnathan. Executive producers: G. Mac Brown, Anna Barnathan Barry, Brendan Bellomo.
• Crew: Director: Jonás Cuarón. Screenplay: Sean Kennedy Moore & Joe Barnathan & Marcus Rinehart; story: Sean Kennedy Moore & Joe Barnathan & Marcus Rinehart & Brendan Bellomo. Camera: Nico Aguilar. Editor: Dan Zimmerman. Music: Carlos Rafael Rivera.
• With: Demián Bichir, Evan Whitten and Christian Slater, Ashley Ciarra, Nickolas Verdugo, Adriana Paz, Gerardo Taracena, Julio Cesar Cedillo. (English, Spanish dialogue)

More From Our Brands

Arizona supreme court revives total abortion ban, steve mcqueen’s old 1970 chevy k5 blazer is now up for grabs, nbc sports looks to top $1.25 billion in paris olympics ad sales, the best loofahs and body scrubbers, according to dermatologists, the beach boys docu trailer recounts decades of ‘fun, fun, fun’ and turmoil — watch and get disney+ release date, verify it's you, please log in.

Home » Streaming Service

Chupa (2023) Review – a wholesome tale about family, heritage and cute mythical creatures

We review the 2023 Netflix film Chupa, which does not contain spoilers.

Netflix’s Chupa  is an adventure movie based on the legend of the chupacabra  (aka. the goat sucker) . Instead of a blood-sucking monster, the film, directed by Jonas Cuaron , delivers a heartwarming tale about a boy who befriends a mythical (and adorable) creature.

Even before the film came out, many Spanish and Portuguese-speaking netizens were amused, to say the least, by  the title . But the feature itself is nothing short of wholesome. 

Chupa Review and Plot Summary

The film starts with a group of scientists led by Richard Quinn ( Christian Slater ) as they’re exploring a cave in San Javier, Mexico, in 1996. They seem to have found what they were looking for – an adorable little chupacabra cub most said only existed in legends.

It’s a furry cat-like creature with wings and a face that will remind you of Gizmo from Gremlins (the water-free version, of course). 

Before Richard can grab the cub, his much larger and scarier mother appears, growls at the scientists, and runs for it, but Richard and his team give chase. After being hit by a car, the chupacabra is forced to leave her cub behind as she tries to distract the chasers from him. 

We then meet our lead, Alex (Evan Whitten) , a 13-year-old boy living in Kansas City with his mother. At school, he’s bullied for his Mexican heritage. Complicating things further, Alex is still grieving the loss of his dad, who passed away from cancer.

The boy is set to spend spring break at his grandad Chava’s (Demián Bichir) ranch in Mexico with his two cousins, Luna (Ashley Ciarra) and Memo (Nickolas Verdugo) , all relatives he’s yet to meet. 

At the ranch, Alex quickly befriends his two cousins and becomes intrigued by his grandad’s past career as a professional lucha libre champion wrestler. He learns that Chava has been struggling with a memory loss condition and that he has been secretly hiding the chupacabra cub in his barn.

READ: Best Movies on Netflix of All Time

T he young boy bonds with the little monster and names him Chupa, vowing to protect him from the evil scientist. 

There’s a lot to love about Chupa. To start with, the creature itself is beyond adorable. While the mythical beast it’s based on is a terrifying vampire-like creature, the Chupa presented in this film is simply part of a misunderstood species that needs protection from human interference. 

The story is pretty formulaic, but it’s also done well. Cuarón’s decision to set the film in the mid-90s gives it an air of nostalgia that will undoubtedly appeal to Millenial audiences.

There’s a depth to most of these characters, and it’s impossible not to root for them. Alex is struggling with the loss of his father and uses unhealthy coping mechanisms, while Chava has to deal with the loss of his son and his declining mental faculties.

Even if you take the mythical away, this is a touching story about family, the importance of heritage, and the bonds that matter most to us. 

Is the 2023 movie Chupa good or bad?

While there’s nothing new to the story of a child befriending a mythical creature and protecting it from evil adults, Chupa introduces this heartwarming trope to a new generation. And it does a great job with it.

It’s a good film with a fantastic cast (seeing Christian Slater in a villainous role is always a treat), an adorable rendition of the Chupacabra legend, and, most importantly, it tells a worthwhile story. 

Is Chupa worth watching?

If you’re willing to look past the title mishap, then Chupa  is worth streaming. And despite the aforementioned title mishap, the film is suitable viewing for the whole family.

There’s enough depth in it to keep the adults entertained and plenty of magic to keep the little ones captivated. 

What did you think of the 2023 Netflix film Chupa? Comment below.

More Stories

• Chupa Ending Explained
• Where was the Netflix film Chupa filmed?
• Will there be a Chupa 2?
• Best Movies on Netflix in 2023

Article by Lori Meek

Lori Meek has been a Ready Steady Cut contributing writer since September 2022 and has had over 400 published articles since. She studied Film and Television at Southampton Solent University, where she gained most of her knowledge and passion for the entertainment industry. Lori’s work is also featured on platforms such as TBreak Media and ShowFaves.

'Green Book' | Film Review

The Morning Show Season 3 Episode 2 Recap - Does UBA pay the ransom? 

This website cannot be displayed as your browser is extremely out of date.

Please update your browser to one of the following: Chrome , Firefox , Edge

Chupa (2023)

• User Reviews

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews

• User Ratings
• External Reviews
• Metacritic Reviews
• Full Cast and Crew
• Release Dates
• Official Sites
• Company Credits
• Filming & Production
• Technical Specs
• Plot Summary
• Plot Keywords
• Parents Guide

Did You Know?

• Crazy Credits
• Alternate Versions
• Connections
• Soundtracks

Photo & Video

• Photo Gallery
• Trailers and Videos

Related Items

• External Sites

Related lists from IMDb users

Recently Viewed

Notice: All forms on this website are temporarily down for maintenance. You will not be able to complete a form to request information or a resource. We apologize for any inconvenience and will reactivate the forms as soon as possible.

• DVD & Streaming
• Action/Adventure , Drama

Content Caution

In Theaters

• Evan Whitten as Alex; Demián Bichir as Chava; Christian Slater as Richard Quinn; Ashley Ciarra as Luna; Nickolas Verdugo as Memo; Adriana Paz as Julia; Julia Cesar Cedillo as Dr. Juan Carlos Ortega

Home Release Date

• April 7, 2023
• Jonás Cuarón

Distributor

Movie review.

Ever since the death of his father, Alex feels disconnected from the rest of the world. At school, he’s bullied for his Mexican heritage and for hiding his face behind his handheld gaming console. At home, he’s got little interest in learning anything related to his father—his heritage included.

Despite his negative feelings on the matter, Alex’s mother decides to send him to San Javier, Mexico, in order to reconnect with his relatives: his grandpa, Chava; and his cousins, Luna and Memo. It’s not long, however, before workers on the family ranch find something strange: a goat, drained of some of its blood.

Memo’s the first to call it as he sees it: It’s the work of the legendary Chupacabra , he says. After all, the name is literally translated as “goat sucker.” But despite Chava’s assurance that such a creature is only a myth, Memo’s right: Alex wakes up one morning soon after that to find a Chupacabra—and a young one at that, it seems—licking a cut on Alex’s hand.

The creature, however, isn’t slurping up Alex’s blood. It’s healing him: As Alex watches, the cut almost instantly closes up afterwards. Soon, Alex realizes that the cub (whom Alex names “Chupa”) has been separated from its family. And as Alex helps the beast get back home, he might just find his own home, too.

But Alex needs to work fast, since he’s not the only one with an interest in Chupa. There’s also the nefarious Richard Quinn, a man seeking out the animal for its aforementioned supernatural healing properties. And it’s clear he’s not just looking for Chupa to lick a wound closed: He wants blood.

Positive Elements

Alex begins to bond with Chupa when he realizes that the little guy has been separated from his family. Since Alex’s father passed away, he’s also felt a bit disconnected from his own family. He doesn’t want to learn about his family’s interests or culture, and when his father comes up, Alex buries himself behind his handheld gaming system to ignore the talk.

However, though Chava attempts to break through to Alex throughout the movie, it’s ultimately Alex’s journey with Chupa that helps him to realize how to let go and face his emotions head on. And after doing that, Alex learns to appreciate his cousins and grandfather, eventually realizing that he’s reconnected with his family.

Chava teaches Alex that it’s more important to face our emotions than hide from them.

Alex and his family fight against a man looking to exploit an animal.

Spiritual Elements

The Chupacabra is, of course, a mythological creature—but in this film, the creature is a real thing. However, its blood has a supernatural ability to heal wounds almost instantly, and we see this happen once. The creature is described as “a vampire that feeds on the blood of goats.”

Chava wears a cross necklace. We see an image of Jesus on a wall.

Sexual Content

Luchadores (professional wrestlers) are seen shirtless and in tight pants.

Violent Content

A Chupacabra’s wing is somewhat burned by a flare. A man’s cheek is scratched by Chupa’s claws. Chupa gets shot by a tranquilizer. An animal is hit by a car. Luchadores wrestle one another. A man is pushed to the ground, and another man is slammed onto the ground by someone. Memo bites someone’s arm.

We see a photo of a goat drained of its blood, and we glimpse some blood on the goat’s neck. Another goat’s tiny puncture wounds are seen healing immediately. Chupa brings a dead mouse to Alex. A mountain lion attempts to attack someone. Someone nearly falls to his death.

Crude or Profane Language

God’s name is used in vain four times. We hear “h—” once. Additionally, we hear an unfinished “son of a … !” twice. Richard says “shoot,” though it may sound like the s-word to some.

Drug and Alcohol Content

Other negative elements.

Alex is bullied.

Chupa shares quite a bit, story wise, with E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial .

Like that story, this one also focuses on a boy who takes it upon himself to help a mythical creature return home to its family before a government agency can nab the creature for itself. But it’s not Chupa (the animal) who is phoning home here: It’s Alex.

As Alex helps Chupa return to his family, he finally begins to finally connect with his own family. And though the general plot for this film could use a bit of workshopping, it was refreshing to see how few issues the PG film had.

Generally, it stays true to that PG rating, with the worst concerns being a dead mouse and a brief picture of a goat with some blood on its neck. However, families should note that God’s name is misused four times.

But despite those issues, the movie remains an easier watch than many other films ostensibly aimed at a family audience these days. Ultimately, Chupa proves that modern movies with few concerns aren’t just myths.

Kennedy Unthank

Kennedy Unthank studied journalism at the University of Missouri. He knew he wanted to write for a living when he won a contest for “best fantasy story” while in the 4th grade. What he didn’t know at the time, however, was that he was the only person to submit a story. Regardless, the seed was planted. Kennedy collects and plays board games in his free time, and he loves to talk about biblical apologetics. He doesn’t think the ending of Lost was “that bad.”

Latest Reviews

The First Omen

Wicked Little Letters

Weekly Reviews Straight to your Inbox!

• Action/Adventure
• Children's/Family
• Documentary/Reality
• Amazon Prime Video

More From Decider

'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' at 10: The Movie That Made (and...

Joy Behar Says She Was "Dragged Into" Controversy Over Beyoncé's 'Jolene'...

Guy Fieri Calls Drew Barrymore "Gangster" For Talking With Her "Mouth Full...

Anna Paquin Shuts Down Hoda Kotb's Questions About Her Health On 'Today'...

'9-1-1' And 'The Bachelor' Crossover: Joey Graziadei And Jesse Palmer Make...

Holly Madison Names “Major Movie Stars” Who Started As Exotic Dancers...

'The View's Whoopi Goldberg Blasts Republicans For "Stupid" Question...

R.I.P. Chance Perdomo: ‘Gen V’ & ‘Chilling Adventures Of...

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to copy URL

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Chupa’ on Netflix, Spielberg Lite Done Right

Where to stream:.

• Family Movies

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘Wish’ on Disney+, an Exercise in Corporate Self-Congratulations

11 best new movies on netflix: april 2024’s freshest films to watch, easter movies on disney+ that are great for kids (and some shows, too), is ‘a cat’s life’ streaming on netflix or hbo max.

There’s a new Cuarón movie on Netflix! No, not four-time Oscar winner Alfonso … his son Jonas is back in the director’s chair with Chupa. And good news for fantasy fans – this is a fun, franchise-free movie for the whole family . Whether you know the legend of the chupacabra or not doesn’t matter so long as you can connect to feeling like people can’t understand how the different parts of you all fit together.

CHUPA : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

The Gist: The chupacabra, a mythical creature that looks something like a winged coyote, is on the loose in the Mexican countryside – and hunted by a sinister American government official (Christian Slater). Elsewhere, there’s a different kind of creature bridging two worlds … but this one’s human. The young Mexican-American boy Alex (Evan Whitten) must travel from Kansas City, where his single mother has to stay and work, to visit his extended family in Mexico. It’s a period of great confusion in the protagonist’s life where he feels accepted neither as Mexican nor American. His cousins, the wrestling-obsessed young Memo (Nickolas Verdugo) and too-cool-for-school older Luna (Ashley Ciarra), only make him cling closer to his American identity on the trip.

But their quiet rural home gets quite the shakeup when Alex encounters the young chupacabra, who initially scares him but eventually wins over his sympathy, friendship, and protection. With the help of grandpa Chava (Demián Bichir), Alex fights to protect his family – including the adorable Chupa – and learns who he really is along the way.

What Movies Will It Remind You Of?: Hmm, a movie about a young boy reeling from having an absent father who meets a creature that can represent both what he is and what he misses, and that creature is also something he has to hide from encroaching government officials who mistake its protective nature for danger? Chupa is E.T. AF.

Performance Worth Watching: Demián Bichir is the true emotional heart of the film. As the benevolent abuelo who knows more than he initially lets on, Bichir’s Chava gets to convey both the gravity and levity of the film’s situations. After his improbable Best Actor nomination over a decade ago, it finally feels like the kind of role he deserves.

Memorable Dialogue: “You don’t have to be alone anymore,” Alex tells Chupa at their first tender moment of real bonding. “I can take care of you. We can be together. I’ll be your family.” In case there was any doubt, this touching line solidifies the film’s animating thematic grace.

Sex and Skin: Chupa is far too childlike in its gaze to have these elements enter its purview.

Our Take: Chupa is the kind of sweet, sincere moviemaking that’s missed at the multiplexes. Director Jonas Cuarón has crafted a sci-fi fantasy for the whole family that can speak widely because it drills in so specifically on Mexican culture and identity. The film never condescends or caters to an outsider’s gaze on folklore like the chupacabra or diversions like the luchador fighters. Because he feels their legacies so personally, he can translate how they are a localized expression of a wider phenomenon. People need larger-than-life figures to help them express feelings and longings they otherwise struggle to put into words. It’s a sturdy foundation onto which he builds a rip-roaring adventure that’s resonant for viewers of any age.

Our Call: STREAM IT! Chupa is one of the best imitators of Amblin-style ‘80s adventure to date. By recreating feelings and details, not just indulging nostalgia, Cuarón provides more than just a copycat. It’s a soaring adventure film that provides the kind of entertainment for the whole family that has recently been farmed out to franchises.

Marshall Shaffer is a New York-based freelance film journalist. In addition to Decider, his work has also appeared on Slashfilm, Slant, The Playlist and many other outlets. Some day soon, everyone will realize how right he is about Spring Breakers.

Watch Chupa on Netflix

• Stream It Or Skip It

Does 'Yellowstone' Return Tonight? Everything To Know About 'Yellowstone's Season 5, Part 2 Premiere Date

Will There Be A 'Resident Alien' Season 4? What We Know

New Shows & Movies To Watch This Weekend: 'Mary & George' on Starz + More

Dwayne Johnson Gets Into Verbal Altercation With WWE Fan: "Watch Your F**king Mouth"

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘The Tearsmith’ on Netflix, An Italian Teen Romance Based On A Popular Novel

'9-1-1's Harry Grant Returns In Season 7: Why Marcanthonee Reis Was Recast

Should You Watch ‘Chupa’? Review of Netflix’s New Family Movie

Our PLAY, PAUSE, OR STOP? review of Netflix's new family movie.

Picture: Netflix

The latest Netflix family adventure film, Chupa , is now streaming, but should you give it a watch?

Inspired by the Amblin films of the 80s & 90s, Chupa is the story of a shy 13-year-old Alex (Evan Whitten) who flies from Kansas City to Mexico to meet his deceased father’s family for the first time.

There he meets his grandfather and former lucha libre champion Chava (Demián Bichir), energetic, wrestling-obsessed cousin Memo (Nickolas Verdugo), and fearless, hip cousin Luna (Ashley Ciarra). But just as Alex begins to get his bearings, he discovers a mythical creature living under his grandfather’s shed: a young chupacabra cub, which he recognizes from stories of the feared, full-grown chupacabra, fabled to feed on farmers’ livestock.

Alex soon learns that his new friend Chupa has a secret history with his family, and that dogged, dangerous scientist Richard Quinn (Christian Slater) is hunting the misunderstood creature to try and harness his powers. To protect Chupa from impending danger, Alex sets off on the adventure of a lifetime.

During quarantine time during the Covid-19 pandemic, director Jonas Cuaron, son of Oscar-winning director Alfonso Cuaron (Gravity, Roma), spent a lot of time watching the family adventure films of his youth with his children: E.T., The Goonies, Gremlins, Jurassic Park, and the like.

In an interview with “ Manny The Movie Guy ” on YouTube, Cuaron discussed how that experience inspired him to do Chupa:

“I suddenly became very excited about the idea of doing a family movie that I could share with them (his 2 children) … and when this script came to me and it was a movie about a chupacabra but told as a family adventure, I became very excited because I grew up in Mexico in the 90s and, as a kid, the myth of the chupacabra was all over the news and there were sightings near where I was living so I was very excited about this creature. So the idea of being able to make an Amblin-esque type of movie for my kids but show the context of what I grew up in became very exciting for me.”

Most certainly, Chupa does include many of the ingredients of the Amblin films I grew up on. Missing parent from death or divorce. Feeling for a child to become whole after reeling from that missing parent. A mystical creature that brings the lonely, isolated child back to life and unites the family left behind. Government/authority figures that want to take said creature away for their own gain or out of fear of the unknown. It’s all there… on paper.

But the secret ingredients that you just can’t put in the script is what is largely missing from this movie: emotional bonds, great child acting performances, dealing with real-life factors of loss, and, of course, the flawless design of a creature that can make us instantly want to be around it and protect it at all costs.

The connection between Alex and Chupa feels flat and uninspired. Between the false ring of a CGI creature rather than straight animatronics or a blend of both and a pedestrian child actor performance, the scenes featuring the two of them together don’t garner enough genuine heartfelt feelings that will carry you into the adventurous rescue attempts or saying goodbye.

One could argue that the film is at its best without Chupa. Moments where the cousins grow closer through experiences in the car or on the streets of San Javier or moments when abuelo talks about his son to Alex seem to work best because they are more relatable & authentic and the child actors seem to respond best in those situations.

The quirky details in Chupa also serve to bring a little life out of a mostly plodding story. The use of the Lucha Libre family history brings out some entertaining scenes with former luchador legend abuelo Chava in full outfit or cousin Memo jumping off furniture to randomly attack Alex. Maybe they should have taught Chupa a few wrestling moves to take on Christian Slater and his crew.

The 90s of it all also works its charms at times. A Gameboy, a cassette player, a ninja turtle t-shirt, and a bonding over the Beastie Boys drum up some nostalgic feelings to give the backdrop some added interest.

Overall, Chup a feels like a straight-to-VHS rental attempt at recapturing the prominence of the classic Amblin films of the 90s time period in which the film takes place. Families and young children, especially those from Spanish language households with immigrant stories of their own, might latch on to this film more than someone from my background, but I also think it doesn’t bring enough quality performances and emotional punch to even satisfy the discerning people of their intended audience.

Watch Chupa on Netflix If You Like

• The Adam Project
• We Are Heroes
• Harry and the Hendersons
• Batteries Not Included

MVP of Netflix’s Chupa

Demian Bichir as Abuelo Chava.

While it may be debatable to enjoy the exploitation of a traumatic brain injury, Demian Bichir makes the most of role as abuelo Chava by being an emotional bridge for Alex to his father’s past and comic relief as a freewheeling luchador set loose on those who get in the way of his family or wish Chupa harm. I’ve always liked Bichir ever since I first saw him as the charming yet duplicitous Esteban Reyes on Showtime’s Weeds .

PLAY, PAUSE, OR STOP?

Inspired by 80s and 90s Amblin, but can’t reach the emotional highs or generational characters those movies created.

Andrew Morgan is a film critic & podcaster with 20 years of experience on the sets & offices of film & television. Current podcast host of the entertainment review show, Recent Activity. He lives in the Northeast of the United States.

Newest Articles - What To Watch on Netflix

Best New K-Dramas Added to Netflix in 2024 So Far

There Won't Be A 'Ripley' Season 2 But You Should Watch These on Netflix Next

'SCOOP' Netflix Movie Review

The Best 5 New Netflix Original Movies of 2024 So Far

Search What's on Netflix

Most recent tags, popular tags, notifications from what's on netflix.

Thanks For Rating

Reminder successfully set, select a city.

• Nashik Times
• Aurangabad Times
• Badlapur Times

You can change your city from here. We serve personalized stories based on the selected city

• Edit Profile
• Briefs Movies TV Web Series Lifestyle Trending Medithon Visual Stories Music Events Videos Theatre Photos Gaming

Gujarati web series 'Satya' unveils intriguing motion poster starring Hiten Kumar: 'The game is set’

9 popular K-Drama actors to follow on Instagram

Ranveer Singh reveals he was secretly engaged to Deepika Padukone three years before marriage; here's what the actress hilariously called it

Koffee With Karan Season 8: Will cousins Kajol and Rani Mukerji reunite after 14 years? Here is what reports say

10 records Jung Kook broke ahead of GOLDEN album launch

Lee Dal, Song Joong Ki, Chen: Korean stars who married non-celebrity partners

Parasyte: The Grey

Dadur Kirti

Family Aaj Kal

Inspector Rishi

The Baxters

3 Body Problem

Matsya Kaand - An MX Original Series

Sabka Sai - An MX Original Series

Samantar 2 - An MX Original Series

Indori Ishq - An MX Original Series

Runaway Lugaai - An MX Original Series

Ramyug - An MX Original Series

Hello Mini 3 - An MX Original Series

Bisaat - An MX Original Series

Hey Prabhu 2 - An MX Original Series

Chakravyuh - An Inspector Virkar Crime Thriller - An MX Original Series

Filmfare OTT Awards

The Defective Detective...

Ek Kori Prem Katha

Bengal 1947

Woh Bhi Din The

Patna Shuklla

Double Tuckerr

Oru Thavaru Seidhal

Boomer Uncle

Veppam Kulir Mazhai

Kaa: The Forest

Netru Indha Neram

Family Star

Tillu Square

Babu: No.1 Bullshit Guy

Om Bheem Bush

Happy Ending

Bhoothaddam Bhaskar Nar...

Operation Valentine

The Goat Life

Jananam 1947 Pranayam T...

Manjummel Boys

Anweshippin Kandethum

Malaikottai Valiban

Vivekanandan Viralanu

Abraham Ozler

Avatara Purusha 2

Chow Chow Bath

Hide And Seek

Somu Sound Engineer

Bonbibi: Widows Of The ...

Pariah Volume 1: Every ...

Shri Swapankumarer Bada...

Manush: Child of Destin...

Bogla Mama Jug Jug Jiyo

Ektu Sore Boshun

Sarabha: Cry For Freedo...

Zindagi Zindabaad

Maujaan Hi Maujaan

Chidiyan Da Chamba

White Punjab

Any How Mitti Pao

Gaddi Jaandi Ae Chalaan...

Buhe Bariyan

Alibaba Aani Chalishita...

Aata Vel Zaali

Shivrayancha Chhava

Delivery Boy

Sridevi Prasanna

Sur Lagu De

Chhatrapati Sambhaji

Devra Pe Manva Dole

Dil Ta Pagal Hola

Ittaa Kittaa

Jaishree Krishh

Bushirt T-shirt

Shubh Yatra

Your Rating

Write a review (optional).

• Web Series /

Would you like to review this movie?

Cast & Crew

Chupa Review : An ET style fantasy adventure with a cutesy blood-sucking creature

Videos left arrow right arrow.

'Chupa' Trailer: Demian Bichir and Julio Cesa...

Photos left arrow right arrow

Users' Reviews

Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive . Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.

Visual Stories

Entertainment

Madhuri Dixit reigns as the master of ethnic fusion in stunning yellow lehenga

Chaitra Navratri 2024: How to make No Onion-No Garlic Matar Paneer

Tinnitus: Yoga poses to get relief from ringing ears

Sreeleela exudes elegance in her latest photo shoot!

Mom-to-be Richa Chadha nails maternity fashion in sequin outfit

Alia Bhatt to Kiara Advani: Nine celeb-inspired saris for Navratri

Mahima Gupta gives sneak peak at Shilpa Shetty's restaurant

Baby girl names that have stronger connection to goddess Durga

10 relationship tips to borrow from the Ambanis

10 underrated Classics people should never forget about

Latest Reviews

Gujarati web series 'Satya' unveils intriguing motion poster star: 'The game is set’

Popular K-Drama actors to follow on Instagram

Actress Puja Joshi announces an exciting new Gujarati web series; see pictures

Pratik Gandhi kicks off shooting for the Vitthal Teedi 2' web series; see pic

Malhar Thakar talks about his three recent projects - Exclusive!

The Puja Joshi and Maulik Chauhan starrer ‘Kokila Case’ wraps up the shoot

Promoted Stories

Chupa Netflix Movie Review: It’s Cute

By: Author Tessa Smith

Posted on Last updated: April 6, 2023

Netflix’s Chupa is a cute, family friendly, film that tells the story of a young boy who finds a Chupacabra cub under on his grandfather’s farm.

Chupa. Evan Whitten as Alex in Chupa. Cr: Netflix © 2023

Netflix has been doing a really great job with releasing movies that are good options for family movie nights. This trend continues with Chupa , the story of a young boy named Alex who finds a fabled Chupacabra cub under his grandfather’s shed while visiting Mexico from the United States.

It weaves in a lot of Spanish speaking and traditions, which is always a great way to open the minds of young ones to other cultures. At the same time, those who identify as a part of this culture will be excited to see themselves on screen.

Chupa is a very cute movie that, while not perfect, provides a lot of entertainment for families with young children. It takes a bit too long for Chupa to show up (nearly half the film) but once he does, viewers will instantly fall in love with him. During interviews for the movie, Director Jonas Cuaron revealed that this part on set was played by a dog. This makes perfect sense because not only does Chupa resemble a dog, it is clear Evan Whitten, the boy who plays Alex, had that sort of bond with the animal. 

The connection between Alex and Chupa is by far the best part of the movie. It is charming and adorable, and you cannot help but root for them. When Christian Slater shows up as the evil scientist who wants to take Chupa away and study him, his performance allows you to hate him as a character, even though you can’t help but love the actor.

Chupa. (L-R) Ashley Ciarra as Luna, Demián Bichir as Chava , Evan Whitten as Alex and Nickolas Verdugo as Memo in Chupa. Cr. Tony Rivetti Jr./Netflix © 2023

Alex is ridiculed for his heritage by other kids his age, which is heartbreaking, but unfortunately more relatable than it should be. Because of this he starts to hate his culture so much so that he tries to get out of going to visit his family for school break. There is a scene that is very similar to one in My Big Fat Greek Wedding that shows how cruel people can be just because something looks or sounds different than what they are used to.

Exposing children to Spanish words, Mexican foods, LatinX music, and even the legend of the Chupacabra is done in a way that makes sense within the movie. Demián Bichir plays Alex’s grandfather. He is a former lucha libre champion which also adds a lot of culture, and fun, to the story. 

While it does pay off in the end, the story line revolving him takes away from the story of Chupa and Alex. He is losing his memory and is sick, which unfortunately just convolutes the plot more than is necessary. Chupa is adorable, but the effects aren’t perfect and some moments, especially the flying ones, don’t work quite as well as they should have.

Chupa. Christian Slater as Richard Quinn in Chupa. Cr. Tony Rivetti Jr./Netflix © 2023

Overall Thoughts

Chupa has its charming and adorable moments, most of which are when the Chupacabra cub is on screen. The story itself is interesting, but also tries to do too much. There are some great plot points however cramming them all together causes the film to lose its spark at times. 

That said, the actors are all fantastic and do their best with their roles. They bring something special to the table and make this a decent watch for families with younger children. You have to keep in mind that this is made for families, and what you get reflects that.

Tying in the Mexican culture is done in a seamless way that makes perfect sense. Alex learning to embrace his heritage, partly thanks to Chupa, adds in some heartwarming touches.

There are parts where the film drags for adults, although younger children will likely be entertained from the moment Chupa arrives to the end. There are some high stakes moments and a few hilarious ones. Sometimes it tries to do too much, but overall there will be an audience for this one. So if that is you, check it out on Netflix April 7th.

Rating: 2 out of 5

Next: chupa cast interview.

About Chupa

Shy 13-year-old Alex (Evan Whitten) flies from Kansas City to Mexico to meet his extended family for the first time. There he meets his grandfather and former lucha libre champion Chava (Demián Bichir), energetic, wrestling-obsessed cousin Memo (Nickolas Verdugo), and fearless, hip cousin Luna (Ashley Ciarra).

But just as Alex begins to get his bearings, he discovers a mythical creature living under his grandfather’s shed: a young chupacabra cub, which he recognizes from stories of the feared, full-grown chupacabra, fabled to feed on farmers’ livestock.

Alex soon learns that his new friend “Chupa” has a secret history with his family, and that dogged, dangerous scientist Richard Quinn (Christian Slater) is hunting the misunderstood creature to try and harness his powers. To protect Chupa from impending danger, Alex sets off on the adventure of a lifetime, one that will push the bonds of his newfound family to the brink, and remind him that life’s burdens are lighter when you don’t have to carry them alone.

Chupa hits Netflix on April 7th.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She is also a Freelance Writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association and the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association.

What is Chupa about? New Netflix movie explained - Dexerto - CNN59

Thursday 6th of April 2023

[…] Mama’s Geeky described Netflix’s Chupa as “a cute, family friendly film,” while Entertainment Weekly said it pays “homage to films from the era like E.T. and The Goonies.” […]

Find Family Movies, Movie Ratings and Movie Reviews

Chupa Parent Guide

There's no avoiding the movie's low budget and clunky dialogue but it's still a sweet, sincere family film that will entertain kids while teaching some useful messages..

Netflix: While visiting family in Mexico, a young boy befriends a mythical chupacabra and has to fight to protect it.

Release date April 7, 2023

Run Time: 95 minutes

Get Content Details

The guide to our grades, parent movie review by savannah sillito.

Alex (Evan Whitten) is a first-generation Mexican American struggling to find his identity. He is bullied at school for being different and is distancing himself from his heritage in order to fit in. Convinced that her son needs to reconnect with his culture, his mom sends him on a trip to Mexico to stay with his grandfather (Demián Bichir) and cousins (Ashley Ciarra and Nickolas Verdugo).

While adjusting to the language and culture, Alex meets a young chupacabra who was separated from its family. While most people don’t believe in chupacabras, considering them to be mythical creatures an American scientist, Dr Quinn (Christian Slater), is on a mission to hunt one down to use its blood for medical research. Alex and his family decide to do whatever it takes to keep the creature, named Chupa, safe and return it to its family.

I could harp on some of the clunky dialogue and subpar acting, but this film doesn’t claim to be anything more than a low budget family flick and it fulfills that purpose perfectly well. Parents should be aware of a little bit of minor profanity and some peril that could be scary to very sensitive viewers. Otherwise, Chupa is a perfectly serviceable adventure story with courageous kids and a cute critter that will entertain children and not annoy adults, which is something just as hard to find as a chupacabra!

About author

Savannah sillito, watch the trailer for chupa.

Chupa Rating & Content Info

Why is Chupa rated PG? Chupa is rated PG by the MPAA for some action, peril and thematic elements.

Violence: Lucha libre style wresting is seen on TV and some characters wrestle each other. A man kicks another man. A character uses a tranquilizer gun on an animal and threatens people and animals with a cattle prod. There are moments of mild peril. Sexual Content: None. Profanity: The script contains one mild profanity and three terms of deity. There is some mild name calling. Alcohol / Drug Use: None.

Page last updated January 23, 2024

Chupa Parents' Guide

How does Alex reject and then embrace his heritage? How can being a new immigrant be difficult while trying to stay true to your culture while also fitting in to your new one?

Loved this movie? Try these books…

With both Spanish and English text on each page, Don’t Eat Me, Cupacabra! by Kyle and Derek Sullivan tells the story of a chupacabra with a prodigious appetite for goats. Heavy on pictures and light on text, this book is geared at young readers.

Elementary school readers who are curious about the legend of the chupacabra will appreciate What Do We Know About the Chupacabra? Written by Pam Pollack and Meg Belviso, the book was illustrated by Andrew Thomson. Older elementary students can also dig into Christine Ha’s Legendary Beasts: Chupacabra.

Related home video titles:

If you love the “kid finds and protects creature” genre, you can watch E.T. The Extra-terrestrial , How to Train Your Dragon , Pete’s Dragon , The Iron Giant , Lilo & Stitch , Flora & Ulysses , Clifford the Big Red Dog , The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep , and Lyle, Lyle Crocodile .

Movie Reviews

Tv/streaming, collections, great movies, chaz's journal, contributors.

Now streaming on:

It’s recess at a small school in Nigeria and the boys are kicking around an empty water bottle in an improvised game of soccer. Except for one. Anthony Madu on the far side of the playground, is performing a private ballet. One of his classmates asks, “Why is he dancing like a girl?” 

Anthony is dancing because that is who he is. When he is not dancing, his body is shy, uncertain. When he dances, he is sure, elegant, graceful. “Madu” is a documentary about what happened when a brief 2020 video of Anthony dancing barefoot in the rain went viral, leading to an invitation to study in a seven-year program at an elite British ballet academy. As the film begins, he is packing and saying his farewells. He receives his passport, where he is described as a “child student.” His mother is proud, happy for him, but painfully aware of how much she will miss him. We see him silhouetted against the train window, an unfamiliar landscape outside. When he arrives, he calls home and like all mothers, her first question is “Have you eaten?” 

In their call a few weeks later, she says Anthony is adopting a British accent and his brother says, “You’re speaking like a white person.” We see the poignance of Anthony’s missing his family but feeling that the shared dedication to dance is a different kind of home, equally precious. “Home is a place where you feel like you belong,” he says, meaning the world of dance, but then he says home is also where your family is.

We might have expected that Anthony might feel isolated or even bullied for being from another country and culture, but his classmates are all friendly and inclusive. Some of the film’s sweetest moments are watching Anthony completely comfortable as he is laughing with his friends or hugging them goodbye as they leave for summer break. Some of the most touching are when we see his parents watching his performance as one of the stars of the end of school year production, via FaceTime, in Nigeria.

The entering class is told they are the select few of over 500 who applied. But this is not like the many other dance films about demanding teachers. The presence of the documentary cameras may be a factor, but the kindness, sensitivity, and compassion of everyone Anthony meets is so pervasive that it is clearly the culture of the community around him. A teacher tells the students that a warmth in the muscles during practice is good, but if it ever burns, they should stop. And when a serious health issue arises, the school and the doctors are sympathetic and supportive.

The style of the documentary is “fly on the wall.” Filmmakers Matthew Ogens and Joel Kachi Benson include occasional interviews with Anthony and his parents but no talking head experts. Cinematography by Charlie Goodger and Motheo Moeng is intimate and lyrical, with contemplative music that contrasts with the classical pieces accompanying the dance lessons and performance. An opening scene shows us Anthony dancing near a fire, his movements in the flickering light showing the fiery spirit that impels him. Near the end, he is on the beach, wading into endless water stretching all the way to the horizon, indicating the larger, more centered sense of himself and his passion for ballet made possible by access to teachers and other dancers, and a sense of possibility. But, as with the boys at the center of documentaries like “ Hoop Dreams ” and “ The Wolfpack ,” the focus on those who are too young to have a nuanced understanding of what is happening to and around them can make us feel both unsatisfyingly removed and uncomfortably intrusive. Maybe the only solution is to require any documentary about those who are underage to be locked away and then brought out again when the children are old enough to watch it and make up their minds about whether they are willing to have it seen.

Anthony’s eloquence is in his movement. A telling moment is his assignment to create a dance performance. Even to an untrained eye, his extraordinary gifts are unmistakable. His grace, balance, and control are exceptional, and his leaps are breathtaking. The teachers who are evaluating him are warmly encouraging, complimenting his love of movement. They gently ask whether he had a story in mind. When he says no, they suggest he try to imagine a narrative. Given the complexity and near-fairy tale improbability of his real-life story, it is not surprising that Anthony is comfortable taking a break from plot to revel in the pure abstraction of movement. With this documentary, we can appreciate his story, and his relevé and pirouette.

On Disney+ now.

Nell Minow is the Contributing Editor at RogerEbert.com.

Now playing

Simon Abrams

Riddle of Fire

Robert daniels.

Asleep in My Palm

Tomris laffly.

Brian Tallerico

God Save Texas

Matt zoller seitz.

The Truth vs. Alex Jones

Film credits.

Madu (2024)

100 minutes

Anthony Madu as Self

• Matthew Ogens
• Joel Kachi Benson

Latest blog posts

The Scene That Clint Eastwood Cut to Make Unforgiven a Classic

Ape Shall Not Kill Ape: A Look at the Entire Apes Franchise

​Criterion Celebrates the Films That Forever Shifted Our Perception of Kristen Stewart​

The Estate of George Carlin Destroys AI George Carlin in Victory for Copyright Protection (and Basic Decency)