A New Perspective on Horror: "Good Boy" Takes Center Stage
A new horror film, Good Boy, has captured the attention of audiences with its unique approach to storytelling. Told from the perspective of a heroic dog, the movie offers a fresh take on the supernatural thriller genre. The official trailer for the film has been released, and many viewers believe that Best Boy might be a more fitting title. In the first-look clip, a caring canine displays a range of emotions—fear, worry, and concern—with timely barks and whines as he tries to protect his loved ones.
The film’s logline, provided by AMC Networks’ IFC Films (now rebranded as the Independent Film Company), reads: “A loyal dog moves to a rural family home with his owner Todd, only to discover supernatural forces lurking in the shadows. As dark entities threaten his human companion, the brave pup must fight to protect the one he loves most.”
Directed by Ben Leonberg, who co-wrote the script with Alex Cannon, the movie aims to challenge traditional haunted house narratives. It draws comparisons to other recent films like Steven Soderbergh’s Presence (2024), which was told from the perspective of an eerie, watchful home.
The cast includes Larry Fessenden, Arielle Friedman, Shane Jensen, Anya Krawcheck, Stuart Rudin, and Leonberg’s trusted puppy, Indy. The project was acquired by Shudder for distribution in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand following its premiere at SXSW in March.
Festival Success and Audience Reception
After a sold-out premiere at SXSW, where it received the "Howl of Fame" award for Best Canine Performance for Indy, Good Boy continued its festival journey at the Overlook Film Festival in New Orleans. The film expanded from one to three screens to meet audience demand and earned an honorable mention for Scariest Feature Film. It also made appearances at the Calgary Underground Film Festival.
Leonberg shared his vision for the film during an interview at the SXSW Studio. He explained, “We kind of wanted to explore that [question of why a dog barks at nothing] as just a core engine of the movie and spin it into a haunted house movie.” He added, “They say don't work with kids or animals for a reason… the solution to that challenge was to build a production entirely around him.”
Production Challenges and Creative Solutions
To bring the film to life, Leonberg and his wife, Kari Fischer, who also served as producer, adapted their own home and acted as stand-ins for three years to accommodate Indy's schedule. The production spanned 400 days and required immense patience, especially since Indy is not a trained animal actor.
Despite these challenges, the final result has been praised for its realism and emotional depth. BroNews’s Katie Campione described the film as an “incredibly realistic and haunting portrayal of a dog's reaction to his house taking on a life of its own.”
Looking Ahead
As Good Boy continues to gain traction, it stands out as a unique entry in the horror genre. By focusing on the perspective of a loyal pet, the film offers a fresh and compelling narrative that resonates with audiences. With its strong festival reception and growing buzz, the film is poised to make a significant impact in the world of supernatural thrillers.
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