Good Boy (2025) by Ben Leonberg: A Canine's Unseen Terror
- dailyentertainment95
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
Short Summary: A Good Boy Versus a Bad Ghost
Good Boy is the feature film debut from director Ben Leonberg, who also co-wrote the script. It's a unique take on the haunted house genre, telling the entire story from the perspective of a dog named Indy, played by Leonberg's real-life pet. The film follows Indy and his owner, Todd, as they move into Todd's late grandfather's house in the countryside. While Todd, dealing with a mysterious illness, remains oblivious, Indy begins to see a malevolent supernatural force that has taken root in the home. The film builds suspense by showing the audience a world that is terrifying to a dog, who must use his wits and instincts to protect his human from a threat he can't even comprehend.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt35521922/
Detailed Summary: The Dog's Desperate Warning
The Protagonist: The film centers on Indy, a loyal Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. The camera is often at his eye level, and the audience experiences the world as he does, through scent, sound, and a keen sense of unease.
A New Home: The story begins with Indy and his owner, Todd, moving from the city to a secluded, long-abandoned family home in the country. Todd is visibly ill, and his sister, Vera, expresses her concern and wariness about the house on the phone.
The Unseen Threat: While Todd is focused on settling in, Indy immediately senses something is wrong. He stares intently at empty corners, growls at shadows, and is haunted by visions of a long-dead dog. He tries to warn Todd, but his human is too preoccupied to notice the subtle signs of a supernatural presence.
A Journey of Instinct: The film relies on Indy's instincts and behavior to drive the plot. He discovers old video tapes that hint at the house's dark history, and he is plagued by nightmares and memories that aren't his own. As Todd's condition worsens, the supernatural forces become more aggressive, and Indy must find a way to save him.
An Emotional Climax: The film's climax is an intense and emotionally charged sequence. Without giving too much away, Indy's loyalty is put to the ultimate test as he must confront the malevolence that threatens to drag his beloved Todd into the afterlife.
Director's Vision: No Cliche, Just Canine
A Non-Anthropomorphic Approach: Ben Leonberg's vision was to make a horror film from a dog's perspective without falling into tired cliches. There are no talking dogs, no voiceovers, and no anthropomorphic behavior. The film relies on realistic canine instincts and a unique cinematographic style to immerse the audience in Indy's world.
Empathy as a Scare Tactic: Leonberg uses the audience's natural empathy for the dog to create a constant sense of dread and anxiety. By making the dog the protagonist, the film's scares are not based on jump scares but on the slow, creeping horror of knowing that something is wrong and that the innocent dog is completely helpless to explain it.
Minimalist Storytelling: The director uses a minimalistic approach to storytelling, with a sparse human cast and a simple plot. The human characters' faces are often obscured, which keeps the focus on Indy and his experience, while also making the audience feel as disconnected from the humans as the dog must feel when trying to communicate.
Themes: Loyalty, Helplessness, and Unseen Horrors
Unwavering Loyalty: The central theme of Good Boy is the unconditional loyalty of a dog to its owner. Indy's love for Todd is the driving force behind his actions, and his desperate attempts to protect him are the emotional core of the film.
The Horror of Helplessness: A key theme is the horror of being a witness to a terrifying event that you are powerless to stop or explain. This applies to both the dog, who cannot communicate what he sees, and the audience, who must watch the supernatural events unfold without being able to warn the human characters.
The Supernatural and the Unseen: The film explores the idea that there are forces and presences in the world that are invisible to humans but can be sensed by animals. It taps into the common belief that pets have a "sixth sense," and uses that to create a compelling and original horror story.
Key Success Factors: A Gimmick That Isn't a Gimmick
Indy's Performance: The single most praised aspect of the film is the performance of Indy, the dog. His natural reactions and expressions, without the use of CGI or voiceover, are what make the film work. He is a truly charismatic lead who effortlessly draws the audience in.
A Unique and Effective Gimmick: While the film's premise could be seen as a gimmick, critics agree that Leonberg successfully turns it into a fresh and inventive storytelling device. The canine perspective is not just a novelty; it is essential to the film's suspense and emotional depth.
Pacing and Atmosphere: The film is lauded for its slow-burn, atmospheric horror. Instead of relying on cheap jump scares, it builds tension through sustained unease, creating a sense of dread that lingers long after the credits roll.
Awards and Nominations: A Festival Darling
Good Boy premiered at the prestigious South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival in March 2025, where it was met with rave reviews and quickly became a fan favorite. It was also shown at the Overlook Film Festival. The film's lead, Indy, was honored with the first-ever Howl of Fame accolade at SXSW, a testament to his breakout performance.
Critics Reception: A Refreshing Horror Take
Mashable: The review from Mashable praises the film for bringing "fresh life to horror cliches" by putting a dog in the hero's role. It notes that the film plays on a "delicious knowledge imbalance" that fuels suspense.
Bloody Disgusting: Bloody Disgusting calls the film an "emotionally affecting haunted house tale," stating that it's a thoughtful and unnerving portrayal of how terrifying it can be for a dog when its world is upended.
The Hollywood Outsider: The Hollywood Outsider describes Good Boy as an "inventive film that offers a fresh, visually captivating experience," though they note that the story falls slightly short of its full potential.
Overall, the critical reception for Good Boy has been overwhelmingly positive. Critics praise its originality, its strong execution of a unique premise, and the incredible performance by its canine star. The film is consistently described as a refreshing and effective horror movie.
Reviews: A Must-See for Dog Lovers and Horror Fans Alike
Collider: Collider's review says the film "makes good use of its high-concept premise" and that it's a "genuinely unnerving" horror movie that doesn't rely on cheap jump scares.
The Scariest Things: The Scariest Things calls Good Boy a "special movie" and highlights the power imbalance between the specter and the dog, which allows the dread to build throughout the film.
FandomWire: FandomWire notes the film's strong Rotten Tomatoes score and says it's another "revered addition to 2025's acclaimed horror run."
In summary, reviews from various horror and film sites echo the critics' consensus, lauding the film's originality and emotional resonance. Many reviewers admit that their initial concern about the dog's fate was immediately assuaged, and they were fully invested in Indy's journey.
Release date on streaming: Shudder Acquisition
Shudder, the horror streaming service, acquired the distribution rights for Good Boy for the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. The streaming release date is yet to be announced.
Theatrical Release: A Fall Horror Treat
Good Boy is set for a theatrical release in the United States on October 3, 2025.
Why to recommend this movie: A Unique and Heartfelt Horror Experience
For a Truly Original Concept: Good Boy stands out from the horror crowd with its completely unique perspective. It’s not just a movie with a dog; it's a movie from a dog.
For Its Emotional Punch: The film is much more than a simple haunted house flick. It's a poignant story about the bond between a human and their pet and the lengths a loyal companion will go to protect the one they love.
For a Dog Star You'll Never Forget: Indy's performance is truly remarkable. He is an empathetic and believable protagonist who carries the film with his natural charm and expressive reactions.
For a Fresh Take on a Stale Genre: If you feel like you've seen every haunted house trope imaginable, Good Boy is a breath of fresh air. It re-energizes the genre by putting a new spin on classic horror conventions.
Movie Trend: Animal-Centric Storytelling
Good Boy is at the forefront of a niche but growing trend of films that tell stories from an animal's point of view without resorting to traditional animation or voiceovers. Similar to films like The Bear or documentaries that follow animal subjects, this trend focuses on conveying a story through the animal's natural behavior and instincts, creating a more realistic and grounded emotional experience for the audience.
Social Trend: The Value of Pets in Modern Life
The film taps into the modern social trend of seeing pets as integral members of the family. The bond between Todd and Indy is the heart of the story, reflecting how many people view their dogs not just as animals, but as loyal companions, emotional support, and even protectors. The film capitalizes on this deep emotional connection, making the audience's fear for Indy's safety that much more palpable.
Final Verdict: A Brilliant and Emotionally Resonant Debut
Ben Leonberg's Good Boy is a remarkable and innovative horror film that succeeds on every level. Its unique perspective is more than a gimmick; it's a powerful storytelling device that creates a new kind of suspense and emotional resonance. Anchored by an unforgettable performance from its canine star, Indy, the film is a testament to the power of a strong concept and a genuine love for its subject matter. It's a must-see for horror fans and dog lovers alike.
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