Ben Leonberg has delivered one of the most inventive supernatural horror films in recent memory with Good Boy. Audiences at SXSW were treated to a uniquely fresh perspective—one told entirely through the eyes of a devoted dog trying to protect its best friend. Meet Indy, a canine protagonist you won’t soon forget. While horror films haven’t always been kind to dogs, Good Boy flips the script, making man’s best friend the star in a gripping and original way.
If you need a surefire way to get casual horror fans in seats, tell them about Good Boy. It’s a film that, on the surface, might sound like a Scooby-Doo spinoff, but in execution, it’s more akin to The Shining through a dog’s eyes. Dread unfolds in front of Indy in ways that only pet owners will truly appreciate—what is lurking in that dark corner that has him on edge? Leonberg and co-writer Alex Cannon craft an eerie, suspense-filled experience that blends late-night popcorn thrills with well-executed jump scares and an irresistibly engaging narrative.
Indy’s performance is outstanding, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Good Boy gain a cult following as it makes its way through the festival circuit. The film taps into a universal phenomenon all pet owners have wondered: What is my dog staring at? If they could talk, would we even want to know what they see? Good Boy doesn’t just play with this idea—it immerses us in it. Leonberg’s direction is particularly impressive, drawing us deeper into Indy’s world with every carefully crafted scene. The dynamic between Indy and Todd (Shane Jensen) highlights the blurred lines between pet and owner, adding unexpected emotional weight to the story. Who truly needs who more?
One of our most anticipated films of SXSW, Good Boy absolutely delivers. Films like this remind us why we need fresh, bold storytelling and ambitious cinematography in horror. We’ve seen stories told from the perspective of ghosts, haunted houses, and even inanimate objects—but Good Boy takes it a step further, pulling us into the fever-dream nightmare of a loyal canine confronting the supernatural.
We also have some exclusive shots of Indy at SXSW week!
Rating 4/5
Good Boy
Directed by Ben Leonberg
Starring Indy the dog, Shane Jensen, Larry Fessenden, Arielle Friedman, Stuart Rudin and Max the dog.
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