In this made-for-cable horror story, Dr. Peña (Giancarlo Esposito) is a scientist with a passionate interest in the chupacabra, a South American creature similar to the North American Bigfoot or Yeti. While many believe the chupacabra is a myth, Peña is convinced the beast truly exists, and he sets out to find it. Peña succeeds in capturing a living chupacabra in the Caribbean, but discovers the animal is stronger and more dangerous than he expected -- it's strong, has a violent nature, and can withstand tremendous punishment. Nevertheless, Peña goes ahead with his plan to take the chupacabra to the United States, and sneaks the beast on board an ocean liner headed for America. As bad luck would have it, the monster escapes from its cage, and begins killing the passengers at a feverish pace. Now Randolph (John Rhys-Davies), the ship's captain, is seemingly the only one who can subdue the chupacabra and bring the ship home.