*In the upcoming horror thriller “Good Boy,” a dog takes center stage as both a loyal companion and a defender against sinister forces.
The film follows Indy, a retriever who relocates with his best friend, Todd, to a desolate family home in the countryside. What begins as a fresh start soon turns into a fight for survival when the old house reveals its grim secrets.
From the moment they arrive, Indy senses that something is wrong. He sees what no one else can—phantoms lurking in corners, warnings from a long-dead canine, and visions of a brutal past. As Todd falls deeper under the influence of the malevolence inhabiting the house, Indy must confront the darkness before it claims the person he loves most.
“Good Boy” is directed by Ben Leonberg, who co-wrote the script with Alex Cannon. Leonberg also produced alongside Kari Fischer. The film stars Indy the Dog, Shane Jensen, Arielle Friedman, and Larry Fessenden. With a runtime of 73 minutes, the story blends horror and thriller elements while delivering a unique perspective through its canine protagonist.
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Critics have already praised the film’s unconventional approach. Clint Worthington of RogerEbert.com wrote, “A staggering pet performance… touches bittersweetly on the deep and abiding love a pet can have for his owner.” Dread Central’s Mary Beth McAndrews called it “primed to be one of the most chilling movies of 2025… thanks to both an incredibly emotive dog and a skilled director who knows how to work with his canine companion.”
Indy, the film’s breakout star, is a 35-pound retriever whose offscreen life revolves around fetch, food, and his owners, Ben and Kari. Before this feature debut, he appeared in a short film that inspired the full-length production.
Leonberg, making his feature directorial debut, brings a background that spans narrative, commercial, and VR filmmaking. His Columbia University training and teaching experience, along with accolades such as a ScreenCraft Film Fund Finalist nod and a New Jersey State Council on the Arts Fellowship, highlight his commitment to storytelling. His approach blends practical effects with innovative techniques to deliver both spectacle and heart.
The film has sparked enthusiasm across the horror community. IndieWire’s Rafael Motamayor noted that “the film refuses to let Indy feel like a cheap gimmick… one of the best horror films so far this year.” Matt Donato of Daily Dead praised Indy’s debut, saying, “To say Indy’s debut stands out from the pack is an understatement—it’s paving the way for horror filmmakers to rethink the genre’s limitations.”
J Hurtado of Screen Anarchy added, “With an innovative hook and Indy’s mind-blowing lead performance, GOOD BOY is one of the most unique experiences of the year. It is big fun in a cute, furry little package.”
“Good Boy” positions itself not just as a horror film, but as a reimagining of how genre stories can be told—with a dog leading the charge against the darkness. Watch the trailer above.
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