Horror Film 'Good Boy' Premieres Nationwide Featuring Dog Protagonist

The supernatural horror film "Good Boy," directed by Ben Leonberg and starring his own Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Indy, offers a unique narrative told almost entirely from a dog's perspective. The story follows Todd and his loyal dog Indy as they move to Todd's late grandfather's isolated rural home, where Indy senses a dark, paranormal presence that Todd cannot perceive due to his worsening illness. The film maintains a low-to-the-ground perspective, capturing the dog's emotional range and protective instincts without resorting to anthropomorphic dialogue, which has earned it critical praise and awards for Indy's expressive performance. Filmed over three years in New Jersey with a small crew familiar to Indy, the movie carefully balances horror elements with the genuine bond between human and dog, making it a compelling and restrained horror experience. Director Leonberg’s approach includes shooting from Indy's eye level and using surrounding ominous visuals and music to create tension, while Indy himself remains calm on set, unaware of the film's frightening context. "Good Boy" stands out as both a heartbreaking love story and an innovative horror film, appealing especially to animal lovers wary of distressing animal portrayals in cinema.