Imagine a creature from legend—feared as a blood-sucking monster—turned into a cuddly, winged companion. That’s the heart of Chupa, a delightful 2023 Netflix release that transforms the infamous chupacabra into a story of family, heritage, and adventure. Directed by Jonás Cuarón (son of acclaimed filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón), this film blends fantasy with a coming-of-age tale, set against the vibrant backdrop of 1990s Mexico. Starring Evan Whitten, Demián Bichir, and Christian Slater, Chupa offers a fresh spin on the creature-feature genre, trading terror for tenderness.
A Journey of Discovery
The story follows Alex (Evan Whitten), a shy 13-year-old Mexican-American boy from Kansas City, grappling with the loss of his father to cancer and the alienation he feels at school, where bullies mock his heritage. Sent to spend spring break with his grandfather Chava (Demián Bichir), a former lucha libre champion, and his cousins Memo (Nickolas Verdugo) and Luna (Ashley Ciarra) in San Javier, Mexico, Alex is initially reluctant. He’d rather bury himself in his Game Boy than connect with a family he’s never met. But everything changes when he stumbles upon a young chupacabra cub hiding in Chava’s shed—a creature he names “Chupa.”
This isn’t the fearsome goat-sucker of folklore. Chupa is an adorable, furry bundle with retractable wings and big, soulful eyes, more akin to a baby dragon or a Gremlins’ Gizmo than a monster. Separated from its mother after a car accident (caused unwittingly by Chava), Chupa is vulnerable, and Alex sees a kindred spirit in its loneliness. Meanwhile, Richard Quinn (Christian Slater), a relentless American scientist, is hunting the cub, believing its rumored healing powers could revolutionize medicine—and line his pockets. Alex, with help from his grandfather and cousins, embarks on a mission to protect Chupa and reunite it with its family, all while dodging Quinn’s pursuit.
A Mix of Heart and Heritage
What sets Chupa apart is its emotional core. Alex’s journey mirrors Chupa’s: both are outsiders searching for belonging. Through his bond with the creature and his family, Alex confronts his grief and embraces his Mexican roots—learning Spanish, tasting tamales, and even donning a lucha libre mask. Demián Bichir shines as Chava, bringing warmth and gravitas to a grandfather who’s both a tough ex-wrestler and a tender guide, subtly coping with early dementia. The cousins, Memo and Luna, add youthful energy—Memo with his wrestling obsession and Luna with her fearless punk vibe—making the trio a relatable, scrappy team.
The film’s visuals are a treat, too. Chupa’s design is a standout: those rainbow-tinged wings and expressive face make it instantly lovable, a testament to the filmmakers’ goal of turning a “terrifying legend” into something “incredibly cute.” The Mexican countryside, with its dusty ranches and starry skies, feels authentic, grounding the fantasy in a rich sense of place.
Familiar Fun with a Twist
Yes, Chupa echoes classics like E.T.—a kid befriending a misunderstood creature, hiding it from adults with ulterior motives—but it’s not just a retread. The cultural lens, weaving in lucha libre and Mexican folklore, gives it a unique flavor. The action, while tame (think tranquilizer darts and a collapsing bridge), keeps things exciting for younger viewers without veering into horror. Slater’s Quinn is a standard villain, all fedora and greed, but he’s effective enough as the foil.
It’s not flawless. The plot leans on clichés, and at 95 minutes, it doesn’t always dig deep into its themes or the chupacabra mythos. Adults might find it predictable, a throwback to ‘80s Amblin adventures that doesn’t quite recapture their magic. But for kids, it’s a sweet, engaging ride with lessons about family, courage, and acceptance wrapped in a fantastical package.
A Creature Worth Rooting For
Chupa won’t rewrite the family film playbook, but it’s a charming addition to Netflix’s lineup. With a 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, critics praised its heart and cultural nods, even if some found it formulaic. For its target audience—kids and families looking for light, uplifting fare—it hits the mark. It’s a story about healing, not just through Chupa’s powers, but through the bonds we forge.
Thanks for stopping by to read about Chupa! If you enjoyed this, I’d love to dive into more movie explorations with you—stick around for the next adventure, and let me know what you think of this one!