Good Boy (2025 Leonberg film)
| Good Boy | |
|---|---|
 Teaser poster | |
| Directed by | Ben Leonberg |
| Written by | Alex Cannon Ben Leonberg |
| Produced by | Kari Fischer Ben Leonberg |
| Starring | Shane Jensen Arielle Friedman Larry Fessenden Indy |
| Cinematography | Wade Grebnoel[1] |
| Edited by | Curtis Roberts[1] |
| Music by | Sam Boase-Miller[1] |
Production company | What's Wrong With Your Dog? |
| Distributed by | Independent Film Company[2] Shudder |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 72 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
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 presents a haunted house narrative from the unique perspective of a dog. The film stars Shane Jensen, Arielle Friedman, Larry Fessenden, and Leonberg’s real-life dog Indy in the titular role. Good Boy premiered at South by Southwest (SXSW) on March 10, 2025, to positive reviews.[3]
Premise
Following the death of a family member, Todd (Shane Jensen) relocates with his dog Indy to an old rural farmhouse once owned by his grandfather (Larry Fessenden). Although the house is rumored to be haunted, Todd ignores the warnings. However, Indy begins to see disturbing supernatural presences throughout the home—entities invisible to humans but all too real to him.
Unable to communicate his fears to Todd, Indy must confront and understand the malevolent forces threatening his owner. As the supernatural activity escalates, the dog’s loyalty is put to the ultimate test in a desperate attempt to protect his human companion.
Cast
- Indy as Indy
- Shane Jensen as Todd
- Arielle Friedman as Todd's sister
- Larry Fessenden as Todd's grandfather
- Stuart Rudin
Production
Good Boy was independently produced by Leonberg and Kari Fischer. The film features a distinct visual approach, often framing scenes from the dog’s eye level to emphasize Indy's perspective. Leonberg used his own dog, Indy, for the starring role, with the animal receiving significant praise for a performance that conveyed emotion without dialogue or CGI enhancements.[4] The film runs approximately 72 minutes and was shot on location in upstate New York.[5]
Reception
Critical response
It received widespread critical acclaim for its originality, emotional depth, and effective horror elements.[6][7]
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 95% of 20 critics' reviews are positive.[8] Critics praised both the concept and execution with Rafael Motamayor of IndieWire described it as "one of the best horror films so far this year."[9] Frank Scheck of The Hollywood Reporter noted that “what gives the film its emotional power is Indy’s unfailing loyalty to his beloved owner.”[1] Indy’s performance was especially lauded, earning him the “Howl of Fame” award at SXSW.
Release
Good Boy debuted at the SXSW Film Festival in March 2025 and was later screened at the Overlook Film Festival.[10]
On May 1, 2025, Shudder acquired the distribution rights of the film to the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.[11] The film is set to release in cinemas on October 3, 2025.[12]
Accolades
- SXSW Film Festival 2025
- Howl of Fame Award – Best Canine Performance (Indy)[13]
References
- ^ a b c d "SXSW Review: Good Boy". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
- ^ Dalton, Ben (August 13, 2025). "Vertigo Releasing acquires ghost dog horror 'Good Boy' for UK-Ireland theatrical release". Screen Daily. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
- ^ Guttmann, Graeme (May 9, 2025). "Good Boy Review: I Was Impressed By This Uniquely Comforting Haunted House Horror Where The Dog Becomes The Main Character". Screen Rant. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
- ^ Gatmaitan, Isabel (March 20, 2025). "'Good Boy' delivers a cinematic experience through a dog's point of view". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
- ^ Dunn, Jack (April 22, 2025). "'Good Boy' Creator Ben Leonberg on Directing His Dog to Indie Horror Stardom: 'I'm Maybe a Little Bit Crazy for Thinking I Could and Would Do It'". Variety. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
- ^ Hurtado, J (March 11, 2025). "SXSW 2025 Review: GOOD BOY, A Furry Ghost Hunter Leads This Haunted House Chiller". ScreenAnarchy. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
- ^ McAndrews, Mary Beth (March 12, 2025). "'Good Boy': Surprisingly Creepy Haunted House Movie Features The Best Canine Performance Since 'The Thing' [SXSW 2025 Review]". Dread Central. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
- ^ "Good Boy". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved August 7, 2025.
- ^ "SXSW 2025 Review: Good Boy". IndieWire. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
- ^ Kay, Jeremy (May 1, 2025). "Shudder acquires English-speaking territories to SXSW hit 'Good Boy', Altitude boards sales for Cannes". Screen International. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
- ^ DiVincenzo, Alex (May 1, 2025). "Shudder Acquires 'Good Boy,' Haunted House Movie Told from Dog's Perspective". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved May 27, 2025.
- ^ "Good Boy: Horror film tells haunted house story through a dog's perspective". The Express Tribune. August 10, 2025. Retrieved August 10, 2025.
- ^ "2025 SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST FILM FESTIVAL Recap". Sagindie. March 17, 2025. Retrieved June 16, 2025.
External links