Full disclosure; I love both dogs and cats but… I’m a dog boy. And this film was my must-see at SXSW 2025.
Directed by Ben Leonberg, Good Boy is a hauntingly unique take on the haunted house genre, centering on the perspective of Indy, an incredibly cute dog (played by Indy) who finds himself confronting supernatural forces in a rural family home with his owner. The film expertly blends eerie suspense with emotional depth, creating a fresh and memorable experience for audiences. Through its innovative storytelling, Good Boy delivers both thrills and warmth, making it a standout in the world of horror films.
The dogs owner, Todd, is a sick man. From the perspective of the dog we are unclear if this is due to his own health or if there are supernatural things afoot. Why not both? His owner leaves his city life for his family’s remote home. What should be some peace a quite soon takes a dark turn as Indy begins to notice that the house may be haunted and his owner in peril.
What sets Good Boy apart from other haunted house films is its innovative approach to telling the story from Indy’s perspective. When Todd leaves, Indy waits. And boy does it break the audience’s heart to see him patiently waiting for his favorite human.
We are down low with Indy, experiencing the strange happenings through his eyes. The camera work is effective in this regard, utilizing low angles and focusing on Indy’s sharp, instinctual reactions. You really do feel like he’s the main character and you know what he is thinking even if he can’t speak. This elevates the tension where he tries his best to assist his clueless owner.
Indy’s performance is nothing short of spectacular. As a central character in a horror film, the dog’s ability to convey fear, confusion, and loyalty is key to the emotional resonance of the story. There’s a raw intensity in Indy’s actions that elevates the stakes of the haunting. Whether it’s his frantic barking at invisible forces or his cautious movements through the dimly lit house, every nuance in his performance pulls the audience deeper into the mystery. The bond between Todd and Indy feels deeply genuine, which makes the terror they face all the more poignant. As the haunting intensifies, the emotional connection between man and dog becomes a central theme, adding depth to the otherwise tense atmosphere.
On the horror front, Good Boy excels at building a slow-burning, atmospheric sense of dread. Rather than relying on cheap jump scares, the film gradually escalates its supernatural elements. The house itself becomes a character, its creaks, shadows and other tropes creates an unsettling backdrop for Indy’s increasingly frantic attempts to warn Todd. The film’s ability to slowly build tension is masterful, using subtle visual and auditory cues to keep viewers on edge without overwhelming them with spectacle.
The production of this film is also remarkable taking over 400 days to shoot the damn thing. It’s really a mark of a great production team.
While some might feel that the film is hollow without much dialogue, i’ve been left thinking about it for over a week. It’s a testament to the performance and craft here. I can’t wait to revisit this so I can enjoy what a Good Boy Indy is.
