Chupa

Name: Chupa
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Family
Released: April 7, 2023
Duration: 95 min
Rating: 48
Cast: Alex Knight, Ashley Ciarra, Berna Kenshin, Demián Bichir, Evan Whitten

2023

METASCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 6 Critic Reviews

See All

USER SCORE

Mixed or average reviews based on 9 Ratings

See All

4.9

VOTE NOW

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

4.9	Your Score
4.9	User Score Mixed or average reviews based on 9 Ratings

Would you like to write a review?

There is a 75 character minimum for reviews. If your review contains spoilers, please check the Spoiler box. Please do not use ALL CAPS. There is no linking or other HTML allowed. Your review may be edited for content. 0/5000

Check box if your review contains spoilers

Play Sound

Please enter your birth date to watch this video:

You are not allowed to view this material at this time.

Chupa

Now Playing: Chupa

Movie Details & Credits

Netflix | Release Date (Streaming): April 7, 2023 | PG

Starring: Alex Knight, Ashley Ciarra, Berna Kenshin, Demián Bichir, Evan Whitten, Gonzalo Robles, Julio Cedillo, Krystin Goodwin, Nickolas Verdugo, Xzavier Estrada

Summary: 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 getShy 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.… Expand

Director: Jonás Cuarón

Genre(s): Action, Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, Family

Rating: PG

Runtime: 95 min

See All Details and Credits

Metascore

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

Critic Reviews

Noel Murray

Apr 12, 2023

Matt Donato

Apr 7, 2023

Chupa is a rascally, if not the boldest or most artfully composed, coming-of-age fable that proudly represents Mexican culture. Read full review

Peter Debruge

Apr 6, 2023

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. Read full review

RogerEbert.com Nick Allen

Apr 7, 2023

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

Concepción de León

Apr 6, 2023

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. Read full review

Movie Nation Roger Moore

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. Read full review

SEE ALL 6 REVIEWS

Write a Review

User Reviews

Crixusgaul

Apr 11, 2023

This movie is awesome. Ignore all these whiners. Great feel good film. Well done all around. Especially Demian Bichir. Chupa was adorable. Some good family & heritage lessons. Loved it.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Boxleitner

Apr 30, 2023

“Wholesome” is a term my generation uses to describe meaningful and well-intentioned experiences in our lives. As we’ve grown up, there have been fewer of these moments, as mainstream media has become littered with self-centered and radically opinionated narcissists. Every now and then, a“Wholesome” is a term my generation uses to describe meaningful and well-intentioned experiences in our lives. As we’ve grown up, there have been fewer of these moments, as mainstream media has become littered with self-centered and radically opinionated narcissists. Every now and then, a gem of valuable human effort can be found in our society, and “Chupa” is an excellent example. This movie has all the hallmarks of flawless Hollywood: great casting, a well written script, beautiful cinematography and a good plot. Its focus is on younger viewers, and it excels in providing wisdom, emotion and entertainment to that specific audience. This wonderful film contains none of the divisive content that has come to litter our media in every form and fashion, and thus remains one of the few experiences today that parents won’t have to worry about presenting to their children. Controversial issues such as race, sexuality, identity, and their endless political stances are ignored in “Chupa”, a moral choice by director Jonás Cuarón, which is becoming rarer and rarer in an industry hell bent on either lecturing you or leaving a good social impression. This movie will be more comfortably received by Spanish speakers, as nearly half its lines are in that language. However, those intrepid viewers who are willing to overcome the frustration of subtitles are rewarded with the quintessential Mexican experience: everything from scenic views, socials interactions and the delicious food of Mexico and its people. In conclusion: if you want to reminisce about the wholesome films of your childhood, but also see something new, or maybe you have kids and want to take them to the movies, or safely plop them down in front of the television (without having to give an hour lecture about race or gender afterwards), then this film is for you!… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

bertobellamy

Apr 8, 2023

I know this is for kids, but it doesn't mean it has to be that bad. The acting is terrible, and the story couldn't be more generic. There are some nice Mexican references, but the film's atmosphere is very plastic. Too bad they didn't explore for real the myth around the chupacabra.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Weidenwiesel

Apr 8, 2023

I currently have to watch this sh()t with my GF and I wish the electricity or internet to crash so that I won't have to watch anymore. This is so outrageously bad. Please someone kill me.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

SEE ALL 4 REVIEWS