The Dog Lives In This One: Good Boy (2025) Review
Dogs have often played the part of the haunted house detector. They are the first to sense danger, the loyal companion who growls at the darkness, and, all too often, a tragic casualty alongside their human counterparts. But thankfully, director Ben Leonberg subverts that familiar trope in his feature film debut, Good Boy.
The film follows Indy, a dog that is dealing with some very big life changes. And when I say follow, I mean literally as the movie is filmed from his point of view. His owner, Todd (Shane Jensen), has cancer. Through Indy's eyes, we witness the weight of that diagnosis. Indy watches Todd throw up blood, go to doctor appointments, and do his best to avoid what is happening by leaving his apartment behind to live in his grandfather's cabin in the woods; all the while there is something sinister lurking nearby.
No spoilers here, and I won't get into all the details of what happens with Todd and Indy once they get to the cabin. Because honestly, the real star of Good Boy is Indy himself. In an interview with AV Club, Leonberg explained how he guided Indy's reactions on set by using food, hand gestures, and limiting distractions. The result is one of the most impressive horror performances of the year. When there's something stirring in the woods or a shadow shifting in the corner of the room, Indy's eyes track the movement and sometimes gives a low whine that feels authentic to how a dog would truly respond.
Though this is his first feature, Leonberg's filmmaking instincts are evident. Because Good Boy is filmed from Indy's perspective, most of the camera work is angled upward or framed in wide shots from behind him. We rarely see the faces of the humans around Indy. There are dozens of scientifically-backed articles to suggest that dogs don't recognize faces the way that humans do but rely on other cues instead; just as Indy does with Todd.
Leonberg's grasp on suspense and tension shines through in how he manipulates shadows and light, easily making those quiet moments unnerving. I do think the runtime runs a bit longer than it needs to for this kind of story. Some of Indy’s experiences start to feel repetitive, and that extra half hour drags just when the tension should be building. It’s unfortunate, because that’s exactly when the film finally begins to click and everything starts to come together.
But even with its pacing issues, Good Boy is a unique entry in the horror genre. By centering the story through Indy’s eyes, Leonberg crafts an experience that feels both intimate and unsettling. It also serves as a reminder of how much our pets see and sense, even when we can’t. It’s a slow burn but the payoff and emotional weight make it worth the watch. Plus, Indy’s performance alone is reason enough to press play.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.5/5