Alright, let me just say upfront: the Chupa movie is not what I expected. I mean, with a name like that, I braced myself for some creepy cryptid horror. Instead? I got a feel-good family flick that hit me right in the nostalgia feels.

If you’re like me—scrolling Netflix late at night, wondering “What the heck is this Chupa movie about?”—you’re in the right spot. I’ve poked around, watched it (twice), and yes, even Googled “chupacabra” more than once (spoiler: their/there mix-ups? Guilty as charged).

So, What’s the Chupa Movie Actually About?

Quick rundown: Alex, a kid dealing with the loss of his dad, hops over to Mexico to stay with his granddad and cousins. Instead of finding ghosts or bad juju, he stumbles on a baby chupacabra hiding out in a shed.

And here’s the twist—the creature isn’t some monstrous bloodsucker, but more like a shy, fluffy puppy. Like, if a mythical creature went to charm school.

Together, Alex and his new buddy Chupa try to keep him safe from a relentless scientist dude who’s itching to catch the little guy.

Themes That Hit Different

• Family bonds and cultural roots (I got choked up during the fiesta scene—no shame)
• Grief, but handled like a gentle breeze, not a sledgehammer
• The weird magic of friendship — even if one party has scales and wings
• Respect for nature, which kinda reminded me of my failed attempt at a herb garden last summer (RIP Gary, my rosemary plant)

But Wait — What’s With This “Chupa” Name?

Here’s where things get juicy.

The chupacabra legend comes from Puerto Rico in the 1990s and means “goat sucker” in Spanish. Sounds ominous, right? And the stories involve mysterious livestock deaths—nothing to snuggle on the couch with.

But the Chupa movie? It’s like the cryptid got a makeover, a soft reboot. Instead of terrorizing goats, Chupa is just trying to find his way.

Honestly, I half expected the creature to be terrifying, but nah. It’s basically the furriest character Netflix has offered since, I dunno, Stranger Things’ Demogorgon got a puppy version.

Meet the Cast (Spoiler: They’re Great)

• Evan Whitten as Alex: Kid does a solid job acting like a confused, sad-but-still-hopeful kid. I’ve seen worse from big-name stars, no joke.
• Demián Bichir as Grandpa Chava: Former lucha libre wrestler and all-around wise guy. The dude brings so much warmth and charm, I half-expected him to hand me a taco through the screen.
• Christian Slater as Dr. Quinn: The villain with a lab coat and some seriously creepy scientist vibes. Not the most nuanced role, but Slater’s charm makes it watchable.
• Ashley Ciarra and Nickolas Verdugo as cousins: They provide comic relief and heart. You know, that kind of family you love to annoy on holidays.

Watching these actors together? It’s like your best family reunion—awkward but lovable.

Behind the Camera: Jonás Cuarón’s Touch

So, Jonás Cuarón directs. Yup, that Cuarón family—dad Alfonso gave us Gravity and Roma. Jonás keeps things simple but heartfelt here.

The movie’s vibe leans into Mexican culture without shoving it down your throat. There are wrestling nods, folk music, and that warm “let’s all have tamales” feeling.

And those CGI wings on Chupa? Subtle. I appreciate that. None of that over-the-top sparkly nonsense.

Where and How to Watch

Just a heads up: The Chupa movie is a Netflix exclusive.

• I watched it on a gloomy Sunday afternoon.
• Runtime’s just under 100 minutes—perfect for a nap or background noise if you’re me and get distracted by cats.
• Mostly English but sprinkled with Spanish (which felt authentic, not “movie Spanish”).

I swear the scene with the street market smelled so real I almost grabbed my wallet and looked for tacos. The smell of Walmart’s parking lot rosemary on June 7th, 2019 still haunts me, but this? Different vibe entirely.

Why This Movie Isn’t Just for Kids

Okay, I’ll admit I came for the fluff and stayed for the feels.

This isn’t a thriller or high-stakes fantasy. It’s more about connection—between a kid and his family, and a kid and a creature who’s totally out of place.

If you love movies where feelings get messy but not too messy, this is your jam.

Quick Pros and Cons (Because I’m Honest Like That)

Pros:

• Warm visuals that feel like a sunset you want to bottle up
• Strong performances—especially from Grandpa Chava
• A fresh take on a cryptid legend

Cons:

• The villain’s a bit meh, kinda cartoonish
• Storyline predictability (yawn)
• The title’s confusing — I got hit with some weird Google searches trying to explain it to friends

Fun Tidbits and Random Stuff I Learned

• The filmmakers kept the name “Chupa” despite it being awkward in English because… well, authenticity.
• The baby chupacabra was designed after months of trial and error. Apparently, too scary, and kids cried. Too cute, and adults rolled eyes. They landed on “mostly cute with a hint of ‘don’t touch me.’”
• Fun fact: Victorians believed talking to ferns prevented madness. I talk to my begonias just in case. Not kidding. That’s on page 42 of the out-of-print Garden Mishaps & Miracles (1998).

Could We See a Sequel?

I mean, Netflix hasn’t said “no” yet.

If the numbers are good, and if people keep streaming it when they’re procrastinating, we might see Alex and Chupa back in action.

Would I watch a sequel? Heck yes. I even want a Chupa-themed taco truck after this.

Final Thoughts — Why You Should Give the Chupa Movie a Chance

Look, it’s not perfect. It’s not Gone with the Wind. But it’s sweet, funny, and a little weird in the best way.

I laughed, I teared up, and yeah—I’m recommending it to my weird little corner of the internet.

If you need a low-key movie that reminds you about family and a little magic, the Chupa movie is your next Netflix binge.

FAQs I Actually Wanted Answered

Is it scary? Nah. I flinch at jump scares and this movie barely had me twitching.

Is the chupacabra real? Not really, but if it was, I bet it’d be way less spooky than this movie shows.

What’s the big message? Grief is hard, family is everything, and sometimes friendship comes in winged, fuzzy packages.