Indy is definitely a good boy, and surprisingly… “Good Boy” is also a good movie. 

“Good Boy” follows Indy, a dog who comes to the rescue of his owner when supernatural forces begin to threaten their new home. 

A Gimmick That Actually Works

Point-of-view gimmicks have made a resurgence in horror lately, with films like “In a Violent Nature” and “Presence” experimenting with unusual perspectives. “Good Boy” takes a similar gamble by following the story through the eyes of a dog. 

Like those other titles, the concept comes with limits – it inevitably invites repetition and risks running thin. But where those films stumbled, “Good Boy” thrives. Thanks to its unique execution and canine star, it emerges as the most successful of the bunch.

That star, of course, is Indy. Director Ben Leonberg made the decision to cast his own dog in the role, and it proves to be the movie’s strongest asset. Indy commands the camera with ease, from his sharp barks and low growls to well-timed whines that punctuate key scares. He gives the film a constant energy, adding an unexpected but welcome soundscape that amplifies the horror. 

Watching the world unfold from his point of view offers a perspective that feels fresh, even when the plot itself leans on familiar tropes.

A Bond Worth Rooting For

“Good Boy” is designed for dog lovers, and those with furry companions of their own will immediately connect with Indy. His relentless efforts to protect his owner form the emotional backbone of the story.

By the time the credits roll, it’s not the scares that stick most, but the warmth of their relationship. That emotional core allows the film to rise above its gimmick and leave behind a resonance few horror films achieve.

Shane Jensen, who plays Todd, deserves credit as well. In a film with minimal dialogue, one might expect awkward exposition or forced conversations. Instead, Jensen’s performance feels organic – his exchanges with Indy mirroring the way pet owners actually communicate with their animals.

Style Over Substance

Leonberg, along with cinematographer Wade Grebnoel, elevates “Good Boy” with striking visuals. By keeping the camera at Indy’s eye level, the movie fully commits to its perspective. Creative transitions ensure the dog remains the central focus, while clever lighting choices – from looming shadows to storm-lit sequences – enhance the eerie atmosphere. 

Still, style only goes so far. At 73 minutes, the film runs briskly, but even that short length feels stretched. Too often, “Good Boy” falls back on nightmares or repetitive scare setups, which dilute the impact of the central mystery. These recycled sequences slow the momentum, making the movie feel half-baked in places.

Indy may be the star, but the human characters remain thin. Todd’s vulnerability adds some depth, yet the lack of backstory makes it difficult to fully invest in his journey. 

The film plays things safe in its conclusion as well, opting for a tidy resolution rather than pushing its horror elements further. The climax works on a surface level, but it never delivers the full payoff that the setup promises.

“Good Boy” doesn’t transcend its limitations, but it embraces its strengths. With its inventive visual style, committed perspective and above all – its canine lead – the film carves out a niche of its own. Horror fans may find themselves wishing for more, but dog lovers will have no trouble barking up a storm over Indy’s performance.

Rating: 3 out of 5