Good Boy (2025) Movie Review – A Horror Told Through the Eyes of a Loyal Dog
When it comes to horror, originality has become a rare gem. Good Boy (2025), directed by Ben Leonberg and co-written with Alex Cannon, dares to chase that elusive spark by offering something truly different — a horror movie told from a dog’s perspective.
Yes, you read that right.
In this eerie yet emotionally grounded story, we follow Indy, a loyal Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, who moves with his owner, Todd, to a remote countryside home. What begins as a quiet retreat soon unravels into a battle against unseen supernatural forces. As darkness creeps closer, Indy must face an unthinkable terror: losing his beloved human.
Plot Summary (Spoiler-Free)
After a traumatic event leaves Todd injured and unstable, he decides to leave the city and relocate to his late grandfather’s old home — a creaky, shadow-filled house deep in the woods. Indy, ever faithful, follows his owner everywhere.
Soon, however, strange occurrences begin. Indy hears whispers in the walls, sees shapes move in the corner of his eyes, and smells something sinister lurking in the shadows. As Todd becomes more erratic and the line between sickness and possession blurs, Indy realizes he’s the only one who can protect his human from the evil that’s taken root.
It’s Cujo meets The Others, but with the emotional core and perspective of a dog. And that’s where Good Boy stands apart.
Direction & Concept: Ben Leonberg’s Creative Gamble
Ben Leonberg, making his directorial debut, delivers a film that’s equal parts experimental and atmospheric. By choosing to frame the entire story from Indy’s point of view, Leonberg forces the audience into a unique cinematic experience — one that feels intimate, vulnerable, and unsettling.
The stylistic decision to hide most human faces reinforces this perspective. We often see humans from the waist down or as vague silhouettes, keeping the focus entirely on Indy’s world. This creative approach immerses viewers into the psychological space of an animal trying to comprehend human emotions, fear, and death.
Leonberg’s background in indie filmmaking shines here: his command of shadows, ambient sound, and minimal lighting builds tension organically without relying on cheap jump scares. Instead, horror is felt — through rustling leaves, a creaking floorboard, or Indy’s trembling whimper.
Performance: Indy, the Real Star of the Show
There’s no denying it: Indy is the soul of this film.
His performance — expressive eyes, cautious body language, and genuine emotion — carries the story far beyond its modest budget.
In fact, many reviewers have joked that Indy deserves the “Golden Bone Award” for his remarkable on-screen presence. He’s not just a “good boy”; he’s a great actor. His reactions to unseen entities feel so natural that one could forget there’s a camera crew behind him.
This choice, combined with subtle cinematography, evokes empathy rarely achieved in horror cinema. You don’t just fear for the human characters — you fear for Indy, and that’s where Good Boy truly hooks its audience.
Writing & Storytelling: A Brilliant Idea with Imperfect Execution
While Good Boy’s premise is undeniably refreshing, its storytelling stumbles at times.
The script occasionally feels thin, with dialogue-light sequences that drag on longer than necessary. Certain plot points — like the nature of the supernatural presence — remain vague and underexplored.
Critics have noted that while the film nails its emotional beats, it suffers from the same pitfalls as many modern horror movies: predictable scares, uneven pacing, and unresolved subplots.
However, these flaws don’t overshadow the creativity behind the project. Leonberg and Cannon clearly aimed for more than a gimmick — they wanted to explore loyalty, grief, and devotion through the lens of a non-human protagonist. In that sense, the film succeeds beautifully.
Cinematography & Sound Design: The Hidden Strengths
Visually, Good Boy thrives on subtlety. The use of low angles, handheld shots, and long tracking sequences give the illusion that we’re watching the world from Indy’s height.
The cinematography by Wade Grebnoel deserves special praise. Every shadow, reflection, and flicker of light contributes to the movie’s creeping tension. There are several standout dream sequences where Leonberg takes creative liberties, briefly showing Indy’s nightmares — a mix of abstract visuals and distorted sound that blur reality and imagination.
Sound design plays a crucial role too. From the echo of claws on wooden floors to distant whispers in the wind, every detail amplifies the claustrophobic mood. The movie’s score, minimalist yet haunting, perfectly complements the eerie quiet of the rural setting.
What Works and What Doesn’t
What Works:
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A highly original concept told from a dog’s perspective.
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Emotional storytelling centered on loyalty and love.
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Outstanding animal performance by Indy.
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Beautiful cinematography and atmospheric sound design.
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A strong directorial debut for Ben Leonberg.
What Doesn’t:
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The script could use more depth and clarity.
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Some pacing issues in the middle act.
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Occasional cheap scares that undercut the tension.
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The supernatural element remains too vague to feel fully satisfying.
Still, these shortcomings are forgivable when you consider the movie’s ambition and heart.
Where to Watch Good Boy (2025) Online
As of October 2025, Good Boy (2025) is not yet available for streaming or digital purchase in the United States. The film is currently running in select theaters through IFC Films and Shudder’s limited distribution partnership.
However, based on recent release patterns of similar indie horror films, Good Boy is expected to stream soon on one or more of the following platforms:
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Shudder (most likely first, given the film’s genre and style)
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Amazon Prime Video (rental and purchase expected 1–2 months post-theatrical)
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Apple TV / iTunes
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Google Play Movies
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Vudu
You can track its streaming availability in real-time through its JustWatch page here: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/good-boy-2025
For official updates, trailers, and behind-the-scenes footage, visit the film’s official website: https://www.goodboyfilm.com/
Final Verdict: A Unique Horror for Dog Lovers and Film Enthusiasts Alike
Good Boy (2025) isn’t a perfect horror film — but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a brave, imaginative experiment that turns a simple haunted house story into something emotionally resonant and visually memorable.
Ben Leonberg’s debut may not deliver relentless scares, but it offers heart, atmosphere, and originality, three qualities often missing in today’s horror landscape. It’s a reminder that sometimes, true terror lies not in the ghosts that haunt us — but in the thought of losing the ones we love.
And yes, Indy is, without question, a very good boy.
If you’re a fan of innovative horror, emotional storytelling, or simply adore dogs, Good Boy (2025) is a film you won’t want to miss. Keep an eye on Shudder or Amazon Prime for its streaming debut, and be sure to visit JustWatch to stay updated on where it’s available next.
What did you think of Good Boy (2025)?
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