Good Boy: A New Horror Film Told in a Dog's Perspective
Share
Good Boy is a new horror film directed by Ben Leonberg and starring his own dog, INDY. It premiered at Austin’s SXSW Film & TV Festival and later screened at the Overlook Film Festival. This one was high on my must-watch list—and it didn’t disappoint.
Synopsis (No Spoilers)
Good Boy is told from the perspective of Indy, a dog who begins to experience terrifying things after he and his owner move into an old family home—where something is lurking in the shadows and tormenting him.
🎥 Click here to watch spoiler-free synopsis! 🍿
What Worked
This film is different—in the best way. I was honestly skeptical about the whole “dog POV” thing, but Ben Leonberg pulls it off brilliantly.
It’s eerie and creative, and it completely reframes what it means to be a dog owner. It made me think about all the moments my dog has reacted to something I couldn’t see... like is she trying to tell me something?
Beneath the horror, there’s a surprisingly emotional core that hits especially hard if you’ve ever had a deep bond with your pet.
What Might Not Work (For Others)
This is definitely more of a slow-burn horror that builds over time—so if you’re expecting a fast-paced, jump-scare-heavy experience, this might not be your thing (although there are jump scares).
Also, the reveal of the antagonist may divide audiences. Personally, I’m not usually into “showing the monster,” but this one actually got under my skin in a really effective way.
The Vibe
Watch this one in a cozy theater with reclining seats and a blanket... or at home with your dog curled up next to you. Either way, you’ll want to hug them immediately after.
The Verdict: Definitely Watch
Good Boy is hands-down one of my favorites of the festival season. It creeped me out, pulled on my heartstrings, and left me thinking about it long after the credits rolled.
Hearing about all the effort that went into this film—from the concept to how it was shot—made me appreciate it even more.
That said, Good Boy is still seeking distribution—so if this sounds like something you want to see, you’ve got to let them know.
Support the film by sharing my recent video on it, and comment if Good Boy is something you’d love to see. Let’s help bring this one to the big screen. 🎬🐾