Trailer
Review
In a genre often dominated by jump scares and predictable hauntings, 'Good Boy' offers a refreshingly heartfelt and tense perspective by placing a loyal canine at the heart of its supernatural thriller. Director Ben Leonberg crafts a lean, 73-minute narrative that wastes no time, introducing us to Todd (Shane Jensen) and his devoted dog as they settle into a secluded rural home. The film’s genius lies in its point of view; we experience the creeping dread almost entirely through the dog’s senses—heightened hearing, instinctual fear, and an unwavering drive to protect. This isn't just a haunted house story; it's a story of interspecies loyalty tested by genuine evil. The atmosphere is thick with unease, built through clever sound design and shadowy cinematography that makes the ordinary corners of a home feel menacing. Shane Jensen delivers a grounded performance as Todd, a man subtly unraveling, while the supporting cast, including horror veteran Larry Fessenden, adds credible texture to the rural setting. The practical effects used for the supernatural entities are effectively chilling, favoring unsettling suggestion over over-the-top CGI. While the plot follows a familiar trajectory, the emotional core—the bond between man and dog—elevates it significantly, making the stakes feel personal and the horror resonate more deeply.
Pros
- ✓Unique canine-centric perspective that revitalizes the haunted house trope
- ✓Excellent, immersive sound design and atmospheric cinematography that build genuine dread
- ✓A compelling emotional core in the human-animal bond that raises the stakes
- ✓Lean runtime and tight pacing that maintain tension without overstaying its welcome
Cons
- ✗The third act resolves a bit conventionally, leaning on familiar horror climax beats
- ✗Some supporting characters feel underdeveloped, serving primarily as plot devices
'Good Boy' is a pleasant surprise and a standout in the indie horror scene. It succeeds not by reinventing the wheel, but by telling a classic ghost story through a uniquely empathetic lens. The film’s commitment to its canine perspective is both its greatest innovation and its source of genuine emotional weight. While horror aficionados might pinpoint some narrative familiarity, the execution is so sincere and technically proficient that it’s easy to forgive. The 73-minute runtime is a blessing, delivering a potent, focused scare that doesn’t dilute its impact. This is a film for viewers who appreciate atmosphere and character over gore, and for anyone who has ever looked at their pet and wondered what unseen threats they might be sensing. It’s a compact, effective, and surprisingly moving thriller that proves sometimes the best protector—and protagonist—has four legs and a wet nose.
🎯 Who Should Watch
Horror fans seeking atmospheric, character-driven stories; dog lovers; viewers who enjoy supernatural thrillers with a unique narrative angle.
⭐ Standout Elements
The film's standout element is its unwavering commitment to the dog's point of view for building suspense and emotional connection. The sophisticated sound design, which translates canine hearing into an auditory landscape of threat, is particularly masterful.
🎬 Overall Impact
A must-watch film that delivers on both entertainment and emotional depth.
📽️ This film represents strong filmmaking that deserves your attention.
