Haunted houses are scary. Haunted houses told through the eyes of a dog? Surprisingly, even scarier — and unexpectedly emotional.
Ben Leonberg’s Good Boy arrives as one of 2025’s most inventive supernatural horror films, transforming a classic haunted-house premise into something tender, unsettling, and refreshingly original. Shot on a shoestring $70,000 budget and starring Leonberg’s real-life dog, Indy, the film manages to outshine many studio horrors with its sincerity, atmosphere, and bold point of view.
A Haunted House Story… Told by the Dog
The film follows Todd (Shane Jensen), a young man battling a chronic lung disease, who moves into his late grandfather’s woodland home. As a malevolent presence begins to target and corrupt him, the only one who notices — and tries to stop it — is his loyal dog Indy. The choice to film largely from Indy’s perspective gives Good Boy a unique rhythm: less dialogue, more instinct, and a stronger reliance on visual cues and physical performance.
Indy’s performance is genuinely captivating. Without anthropomorphizing or resorting to cheap tricks, Leonberg uses framing, blocking, and clever editing to make the dog’s reactions feel emotionally grounded. It’s a risky narrative choice that pays off beautifully.
Crafted With Heart and Ingenuity
Shot over three years with a tiny crew in rural New Jersey, the film’s limitations become its strengths. The cinematography uses natural light, clever shadow play, and tight composition to create a creeping dread. The sound design and Sam Boase-Miller’s score add tension without overwhelming the intimate setting.
While the narrative occasionally becomes muddled — some critics noted pacing issues and a few confusing story beats — the emotional throughline remains strong: the bond between a dying man and the dog who refuses to let him slip away.
Small Budget, Big Impact
Good Boy premiered at SXSW to buzz and went on to become an indie horror success, grossing $8.5 million worldwide. Critics praised its originality, visual style, craftsmanship, and above all, Indy’s breakout performance. The film’s sincerity resonates in a genre often dominated by jump scares and loud spectacle.
Final Verdict
Good Boy is a rare gem — a supernatural chiller that’s as heartfelt as it is haunting. It’s a film made with love, resourcefulness, and a deep understanding of why dogs often steal the spotlight: because they see us more clearly than we see ourselves.
★★★★★★★★★☆ (9/10)
A deeply atmospheric, emotionally rich horror story anchored by one very good boy.