GOOD BOY. The Dog Who Rode to a Haunted House [REVIEW]

Have you ever wondered why your dog suddenly starts barking frantically? Or why it stares blankly at what seems like a random spot? Or why it runs scared from the other side of the house straight to you? Ben Leonberg likely pondered these questions when creating his feature debut — a horror film starring a dog as the main character. This is no masquerade where the dog turns out to be an alien, ghost, or demon. Nor is it a surreal story where the dog takes on human traits. And it’s certainly not one of those annoying movies where we hear the dog’s inner thoughts. Good Boy is about a dog just like the ones we know—one who loves its owner, enjoys running outside, dreams of lounging in bed with its humans, and struggles to understand the world around it.

The story follows Indy (a charming nod to Indiana Jones and George Lucas), whose owner is a recovering drug addict. After rehab, the man takes Indy to a family home inherited from his late grandfather. As the man sinks deeper into his problems, Indy begins to discover that the house may be haunted… The dog’s perspective combined with the nearly lightless, remote house setting builds intense suspense. Despite a runtime of only 72 minutes, viewers feel like they’ve experienced a gripping journey.

Every moment of Indy’s difficult situation—watching shadows, listening to sounds, exploring hidden corners—is masterful suspense-building. Leonberg skillfully blends what the dog perceives as demonic (like the intoxicated owner) with real supernatural threats. He also cleverly incorporates found footage from previous residents and old movies watched by the human character on a small CRT TV. The whole effect is genuinely terrifying.

What’s most important—and what I find fundamental—is the extraordinary empathy toward the titular character.

We never see physical abuse or harm toward Indy on screen, respecting the sacred horror movie rule of not showing violence against children or animals. The fear, uncertainty, and stress experienced by Indy serve as a powerful lesson for all pet owners: your dog, cat, or rabbit might not understand your problems, but it certainly feels them. I also want to praise the lead actor—Indy himself (credited as “himself” in the closing titles). Indy carries his role wonderfully, and I’m impressed by the director and trainers who built such a complex narrative around a canine star.

I suspect a significant part of the film’s budget was spent on treats for Indy, as Good Boy is clearly a low-budget film (which is no criticism!).

It has only two or three locations and three or four actors. Everything relies on suggestion, a bit of practical effects, and the director’s spark, which convinces us that an ordinary dog can wage an extraordinary battle against evil forces. When we reach the film’s ending—both consistent with the dark spirit of horror and delivering a kind of catharsis—it’s hard not to feel like you’ve watched something truly special: an excellent horror built on a brilliant idea that makes you want to go home and hug your beloved pet tight.

I highly recommend it to genre fans and animal lovers alike, especially those who roll their eyes at sentimental dog stories about pets finding their way home or riding trains. Indy will steal your heart without cheap tricks.