Have you ever gone to the movies expecting a classic family film featuring a dog reminiscent of the old Benji movies, only to find yourself watching a supernatural haunted house movie instead? To my surprise, that’s exactly what happened to me with this well-directed film that boasts one of the most original screenplays I’ve seen in a long time. While I’ve encountered several great original screenplays, nothing has surprised and entertained me quite like this one. The story is brilliantly told, and it’s the first time I’ve seen this concept brought to life on screen.
In my opinion, this film is definitely worthy of Oscar nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Director. It’s impressive for an indie film from Shudder, so kudos to them.
“Good Boy” is a 2025 American supernatural horror film directed by Ben Leonberg in his feature directorial debut. Leonberg and Alex Cannon co-write the story. It stars Shane Jensen, Arielle Friedman, and Larry Fessenden, along with Leonberg’s real-life dog, Indy, in the title role. Indy steals the scene in nearly every frame as the film follows the haunted house experience from a dog’s perspective. Yes, you read that correctly! The film has a tight runtime of 73 minutes, and although I was tired when I entered the theater, the story kept me engaged and glued to the screen for its entirety.
Have you ever noticed your dog barking at seemingly nothing in a part of the house, as if sensing something? Having lived in a verified and certified haunted house myself, I can relate. “Good Boy” effectively taps into the minds of anyone who has had that experience. While there are scary moments, the film doesn’t rely on excessive gore; most of the horror is left to the imagination, with minimal graphic content.
Without giving too much away for fear of spoilers, there isn’t much I can share about the plot without ruining the film. What I can say is that as the story unfolds, so does the horror. The director explains many of the filming techniques in the conclusion, showcasing what appears to be amazing acting by his real-life pet, Indy. This explanation alone is worth the price of admission, as it introduces innovative techniques for using animals in filming.
As I watched, I couldn’t help but think of certain animals mentioned in the Bible. For instance, there’s the story of an ass that spoke to Balaam to warn him of an angel of death blocking his path. I also recalled various passages that discuss ghosts—not the Holy Ghost, but the kind we refer to in today’s non-Christian culture. There seems to be evidence in the Bible that the spirits we call ghosts are indeed distinct from angels. This film and the portrayal of animals sensitive to the spirit world present a thought-provoking concept worthy of serious discussion. While many people may dismiss this topic lightly, the movie prompts viewers to reflect on it. It serves as a reminder that the Bible addresses a wide range of subjects, including those rarely or never discussed in church.
I must say, this movie was not what I expected, and I genuinely enjoyed it as a fan of cinema, a filmmaker, and a film reviewer. If you appreciate horror, ghost stories, animal actors, and uniquely entertaining, well-told narratives, you won’t be disappointed.
While it’s not perfect, it’s very good. In fact, I may end up taking my wife to see it again since she didn’t join me this time. Therefore, on a scale from 1 to 10, I’m giving “Good Boy” a strong 8.5.