Good Boy (2025) is a heart-wrenching horror-thriller that blends supernatural dread with the unconditional loyalty of a dog, delivering an innovative and emotional experience. Directed by Ben Leonberg and starring Shane Jensen alongside Indy, a loyal retriever played by Leonberg’s own dog, this indie gem hits theaters on October 3, 2025, via IFC Films and Shudder. In this movie review, we explore why Good Boy is a must-watch for fans of horror films, animal-driven stories, and indie thrillers, earning its place as a standout in 2025 horror cinema.
A Dog’s Desperate Fight Against the Supernatural
Set in a rural family home in upstate New York, Good Boy follows Todd (Shane Jensen) and his devoted retriever, Indy, as they settle into a house shrouded in eerie rumors. While Todd remains oblivious to the supernatural forces lurking within, Indy senses malevolent entities that threaten his owner. As the ghostly presence grows stronger, Indy’s instincts drive him to confront the unseen horrors in a desperate bid to protect his best friend. The narrative, rooted in the dog’s perspective, weaves horror, loyalty, and sacrifice into a gripping tale.
The story explores themes of unconditional love, bravery, and the unknown, with Indy’s perspective offering a fresh twist on the haunted house genre. Its emotional core and supernatural chills make it both heartbreaking and terrifying.
Standout Canine and Human Performances
Indy, the retriever, steals the show with a raw, emotional performance, earning SXSW’s first-ever Howl of Fame Award for Best Canine Performance. His soulful stares and protective instincts convey a depth that outshines the human cast, making him the heart of the film. Shane Jensen delivers a quietly vulnerable performance as Todd, his understated grief grounding the horror in human stakes. Larry Fessenden, a horror icon, and Arielle Friedman add genre credibility in supporting roles, though their characters take a backseat to Indy’s journey.
The canine-led narrative, supported by Jensen’s sincerity, creates a powerful emotional anchor, making every supernatural encounter feel deeply personal.
Haunting Visuals and Immersive Atmosphere
Shot from Indy’s low-angle perspective in upstate New York, Good Boy crafts a haunting, immersive vibe. The rural home, with its creaky floors and shadowy corners, feels alive with supernatural dread, captured through handheld cameras and unsettling angles. Practical effects, like ghostly apparitions and flickering lights, amplify the chills, keeping the horror grounded despite the indie budget. The visuals, while occasionally sparse, evoke a claustrophobic tension that mirrors Indy’s growing fear.
The soundtrack, with eerie drones and sharp stings, perfectly matches Indy’s dread, while ambient sounds—like barking and distant creaks—heighten the suspense. Ben Leonberg’s direction balances emotional storytelling with horror thrills, creating a unique dog’s-eye view of terror.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Good Boy shines with its innovative storytelling and emotional depth. Indy’s award-winning performance and the dog’s perspective set it apart from traditional horror films, while the practical effects deliver ghostly chills. The upstate New York setting and sound design create a haunting atmosphere, earning praise for its indie creativity (). Its SXSW buzz and cult potential, as noted in X posts, highlight its appeal to horror and dog lovers.
However, the thin backstory for the supernatural elements slightly softens the scares, leaving some questions unanswered. The human cast, while solid, plays second fiddle to Indy, and some dialogue feels cliched. Despite these flaws, the emotional weight and unique perspective make it a compelling watch.
Why Good Boy Stands Out
Good Boy (2025) distinguishes itself by blending supernatural horror with a canine-led narrative, a fresh take on the haunted house genre. Its dog’s perspective and emotional stakes echo films like Cujo or The Babadook, but with a focus on loyalty and sacrifice. The indie spirit, backed by IFC Films and Shudder, and Indy’s award-winning performance make it a cult classic in the making, as fans on X praise its heart-wrenching horror.
Who Should Watch This Film?
Good Boy is perfect for fans of indie horror, supernatural thrillers, and animal-driven stories. If you enjoyed The Strangers, Lake Mungo, or A Quiet Place, this film’s haunting vibe and emotional depth will captivate you. Its R-rated intensity, with unsettling imagery and psychological horror, suits mature audiences, while dog lovers will connect with Indy’s bravery.
