Good Boy (2025) Spoiler Free Review
Trust his instincts. Good Boy is a 2025 American supernatural horror film directed by Ben Leonberg, in his feature directorial debut, co-written by Leonberg and Alex Cannon. The film had its world premiere on March 10, 2025 at the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW). It was theatrically released on October 3, 2025 in the United States by Independent Film Company (IFC) and Shudder.
A loyal dog moves to a rural family home with his owner, only to discover supernatural forces lurking in the shadows. As dark entities threaten his human companion, the brave pup must fight to protect the one he loves most.
Film synopsis
The cast includes Indy (a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever) as himself, Shane Jensen as Todd, Arielle Friedman as Vera, Larry Fessenden as Todd’s grandfather, Stuart Rudin, and Anya Krawcheck.
Horror has always thrived on perspective, and Good Boy (2025) takes this idea and executes it in a uniquely unsettling way. From the very start, the film distinguishes itself through its visual choices, most notably, the decision to keep the camera at dog-eye level for the majority of the runtime. This immersive perspective instantly shifts the viewer into an unusual vantage point, forcing us to navigate the story and its horrors from the eyes of man’s best friend. It’s a creative decision that not only builds tension but also heightens the emotional weight of the narrative.
Another bold creative choice is the absence of the owner’s face throughout the film. At first, this might seem like a simple detail, but as the story progresses, the decision becomes purposeful. The cinematography in Good Boy is one of its strongest achievements. Every shot is meticulously crafted to feel authentic to the canine viewpoint while also maintaining cinematic artistry.
While the dog is the lens through which we experience the film, it’s also the emotional center of the story. Indy steals the show in every sense, not only carrying the narrative but also grounding it in something relatable: the unquestioning loyalty of a pet. Watching the events unfold through its eyes makes the horror hit differently, as the dog’s innocence and devotion clash against the unsettling reality of the situation. It’s this emotional tether that makes the climax and eventual resolution so heartbreaking.
The film may remind some viewers of Skinamarink (2023), with its experimental framing and eerie domestic setting. However, where Skinamarink leaned heavily into abstraction, Good Boy balances its experimental choices with a clear, consistent narrative. There is always something happening to maintain engagement, and the simplicity of the premise works in its favor.
At its core, Good Boy is a film about loyalty and the bonds between animals and their owners. The horror doesn’t just lie in its unsettling imagery or atmosphere but in the emotional devastation of the ending. The final message is a reminder of how unconditionally loyal a dog can be, even in the darkest of circumstances. With great cinematography, an immersive point of view, and an emotional core that elevates it beyond standard genre fare, Good Boy (2025) is a standout horror film that proves innovation can still thrive in a genre often accused of recycling ideas. It’s unsettling, moving, and unforgettable.
Good Boy is now available in theaters.