There was a time when dogs were untouchable in horror movies. There were exceptions, but for the most part, if there was a canine in a horror movie, it was making it through the end. They were never the star of the picture, however. Good Boy is a new film that puts a doggo front and center.
Indy and his human Todd have left the big city to live in an isolated home out in the country. Indy is wary of the house and is worried for Todd. As he investigates his new surroundings, Indy comes across remnants of the past that may affect his future. He tries to do everything in his power to save Todd.
Casting animals in film often feels emotionally manipulative. They are usually there to tug at heartstrings and do little more than look cute. Indy is the exception to the rule. He is fantastic in the lead role. The canine shows great emotion and will immediately pull audiences into the story. These moments are earned and because of this feel very satisfying.
Ben Leonberg (who directed and co-wrote) puts the focus entirely on Indy. The human characters are shot in shadows or are seen on poorly recorded VCR tapes. Just as often, they are an off-camera voice or speaking through the phone. It is an interesting way to tell the story and rewards those who are paying attention.
Good Boy uses many tropes of horror – specifically haunted house stories. There are the expected jump scares and strange visions. What makes them stand out is the perspective they are being seen. While the camerawork is not done from Indy’s point of view (though there are shots done at a low angle so they are framed at Indy’s eye level), the story is definitely his. The familiar becomes new and exciting.
The ending is one of the most emotional of the year. Simply put, it is gut-wrenching. Any film that features a canine is going to showcase the relationship between a human and his four legged friend. Good Boy is no different and the powerful final moments will remain with anyone who sees it.
Good Boy opens in select theaters October 3.
