Youtube thumbnail for the “Good Boy” movie trailer. August 21st, 2025. Photo Credit: Vertigo Releasing on Youtube
New horror flick “Good Boy” manages to capture every dog owner’s worst nightmare in a single film.
Good Boy follows brave protagonist Indy the dog and his owner, Todd. The two face supernatural experiences after moving to a new house located deep in the rural forest. The film highlights dogs’ best qualities that makes us love our furry friends so much.
Reasonably, many viewers’ initial thought before watching the film was, “does the dog die?” This question recurred so frequently across the internet that the director himself stepped forward to respond, and the answer is no!
As I sat among the audience, there was still an underlying sense of anxiety about what was to come, despite the certified spoiler that Indy lives.
The first few minutes of the film encourage the viewer to root for the underdog, quite literally. The screen flashed with clips of an adorable puppy and its owner bonding over many years, oblivious of the haunting events to come their way.
The movie was emotionally charging, leaving many dog owners rushing home to hug their furry friends. One TikTok user, Horror Chronicles, described the film as an experience that will “rip your heart out.”
Good Boy is a nice refresher compared to your typical slasher film, as it relied heavily on visual storytelling. Every scare was earned and well-placed, not just shocking.
The uniquely-crafted environment formed the perfect perspective of a haunted dog. The movie utilizes the “cool shot effect,” which allowed filmmakers to create emotion from a neutral shot by using juxtaposition.
The fear viewers felt did not come from Indy himself, but the audiences’ internal dialogue. What makes the movie so terrifying isn’t the actual movie, it’s you.
The ethics surrounding the creation of the film with an animal as the main character sparked controversy across the internet. The director calmed the minds of the movie’s audience yet again, explaining that the production spanned three years to ensure the health of Indy and the rest of the team.
As for the actor himself, Indy was unaware he was starring in a movie. The suspicious shadow moving across the screen? A chew toy. The strange whistle in the air? Just his owner calling from behind the camera.
The best part about the film was not the jump scares or tense atmosphere, but the relatability of being a dog owner.
The film was the product of love, and it was very authentic. Anyone watching the film could easily imagine themselves in Todd’s shoes, resonating with the special connection between a dog and their owner. Each time Indy barked at shadows and braved the house, paws-first into danger, the film displayed how far dogs will go for their best friend.
Good Boy is not the greatest horror movie in the world by any means; However, a lot was left for interpretation after viewing, and there is a lack of clarification over what is truly haunting the house. This being said, the experimental indie film could potentially set precedent for similar movies.
Plus, who doesn’t love watching a cute dog on the big screen?
No matter what kind of pet you own, “Good Boy” is definitely a must-see film. The movie’s unique approach and innovation within the horror genre is enough to give it a watch, but even casual horror movie fans can enjoy it.
No matter the reason for watching, this fact remains true: Indy surely is a good boy. Not only did he help break barriers in filmdom, but also solidified that dogs are truly man’s best friend.
