Chupa (2023)

Director: Jonás Cuarón

Starring: Demián Bichir, Christian Slater, Evan Whitten

While visiting family in Mexico, teenage Alex gains an unlikely companion when he discovers a young chupacabra hiding in his grandpa’s shed. To save the mythical creature, Alex and his cousins must embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

‘Chupa’ is a family adventure young and old can enjoy together. The little chupacabra creature allows for the cuteness factor while there’s enough action and adventure to keep a mature audience engaged.

The film starts with scientist Richard Quinn (Christian Slater) trying to capture the mythical creature baby when its mother comes to its rescue. In the ensuing pursuit, the mother is injured, leaving the baby stranded. Quinn wants the creature because its blood is said to revolutionize medicine.

We then meet 13-year old Alex (Evan Whitten), who is going to Mexico to stay with his family for spring break. I really enjoyed Demian Bichir as his grandfather, Chava, an ex-wrestling champion. He was a blissful, open-minded character, and I thought he was quite sexy too.

When Alex finds the chupacabra cub, he immediately connects with the creature, and I enjoyed this bond between human and creature. The creature effects are incredibly realistic, proving just how well CGI has developed. Seeing is no longer believing, as the saying went.

And so the adventure begins for Alex to protect the creature, whilst realizing he needs to reunite it with its family. There is so much to love about ‘Chupa’, and there’s a great action-packed, adventure filled third act. I enjoyed the characters and the way the story unfolded.

In Spanish and English.

Would I watch it again? Yes.