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After having gone viral for its premise alone, the Independent Film Company and Shudder title, Good Boy, finally comes to theaters this week. Having seen it myself, I agree that it’s worth investing time, especially for those who are pet owners, particularly dog-lovers. Taking that into consideration, the film can only go so far before it risks dipping in quality. Fortunately, Good Boy works largely because Indy the dog (portraying himself) faithfully reflects the two-word movie title.
Good Boy is written by Ben Leonberg and Alex Cannon and is directed by Leonberg.
In this review, I will discuss Good Boy. As this article’s title suggests, no spoilers will be present.
Shudder’s Good Boy Synopsis
According to Shudder, here is the official synopsis for Ben Leonberg and Alex Cannon’s horror-thriller film, Good Boy.
Our canine hero, Indy, finds himself on a new adventure with his human owner—and best friend—Todd, leaving city life for a long-vacant family home in the country. From the start, two things are abundantly clear: Indy is wary of the creepy old house, and his affection for Todd is unwavering. After moving in, Indy is immediately vexed by empty corners, tracks an invisible presence only he can see, perceives phantasmagoric warnings from a long-dead dog, and is haunted by visions of the previous occupant’s grim death. When Todd begins succumbing to the dark forces swirling around the house, Indy must battle a malevolence intent on dragging his beloved Todd into the afterlife.
Shudder
Discussion
The final product of Good Boy‘s narrative is confined within a runtime of one hour and thirteen minutes. For a project as small as this, it’s often troublesome. Ultimately, however, it doesn’t suffer profoundly as a whole. Leonberg and Cannon’s narrative beats and character developments are not issues so much as the capacity in them to navigate Indy from room to room. For an IFC and Shudder title, following a focal character around isn’t a new feat. In uncovering the mystery of Grandpa’s (Larry Fessenden) home in the woods, Good Boy is less concentrated on the humans of the story but still takes a human approach.
Leonberg’s cinematography—with additional photography from B.J. Downs—and production designer Alison Diviney’s set pieces pair well. The shot of Grandpa’s house from down a hill establishes a sense of isolation that would come off as intimidating if the antagonisms actually did more to threaten the lives of Indy and his owner, Todd (Shane Jensen). The woods and the family cemetery add to Leonberg and Cannon’s grave tone, but nothing is worse than Indy’s utter helplessness and loneliness in being alone with an apparently irresponsible owner.
Can You Feel the Light Inside?
Lighting is a central element, primarily in how Good Boy spotlights Indy. Todd, his sister Vera (Arielle Friedman), and some other characters’ faces are either silhouetted or cut off from Leonberg’s frame. This fortifies the film’s viral idea of focusing on a dog. Sure, it’s a cute idea that relies heavily on audiences appealing to ethos, pathos, and sometimes logos. Yet, the film subtly juxtaposes light and darkness. Vera is mainly present through text messages and calls with Todd, such as a phone notification opening the film by alerting Indy to wake up. Grandpa doesn’t have a physical presence, but can be seen through video home system (VHS) tapes on a television screen.
Shining light on Indy impresses as his supernatural connection to the dead. This foreshadows details and traits to be repeated, as if to point to a theme of generational trauma. Enshrouding Good Boy in darkness could obfuscate a wider context that viewers like me aren’t gaining. At the same time, the things that do come to light become a delightful sight. For instance, flashes of lightning reveal other animals or figures in the room. Grandpa’s television screen could be viewed as a liminal channel between life and death, similar to the centerpiece device in Poltergeist. Motion sensor lighting is also integral, but it’s utilized very late.
Furthermore, I love the use of match cuts to intensify Indy’s perception of the situation. His sitting by a window is familiar, albeit heavy imagery, and his understanding of Grandpa and his dog Bandit’s (Max) circumstances is clarified by the end of the second act. Additionally, his anxieties for Todd exacerbate with time.
The Crew Behind Good Boy
Leonberg serves as the cinematographer. BJ Downs does additional photography.
Sam Boase-Miller serves as the composer. Kelly Oostman serves as the sound designer.
Jan Klier serves as the visual effects/ flame artist. Luis Villanueva, Andy Sanda, and Holyjungle Films are the VFX artists.
Alison Diviney serves as the production designer.
The Cast of Good Boy
Indy portrays himself, the lead actor and titular character of the film.
Shane Jensen portrays Todd.
Larry Fessenden (You’re Next, We Are Still Here, Southbound, Jakob’s Wife, MaXXXine) portrays Grandpa. Max plays Grandpa’s dog, Bandit.
Arielle Friedman plays Vera.
Stuart Rudin plays Richard.
Hunter Goetz plays a weatherman and the narrator.
Anya Krawchek plays a doctor.
Performances and Character Developments
Indy portrays the heck out of the canine protagonist with his four-legged movement, barks, cries, and whimpers. I’ve had a dog since the COVID lockdown, and so I empathize with the pure meaning of companionship. Of course, I’m no dog expert, but just like other innocuous animals, they’re just adorable to have around. More so, Indy is an agent of safety and security in a world designed to slowly kill any and all species. I can’t necessarily refer to Indy as a hero. However, his efforts to defend and protect his owner are at least admirable. In terms of dog characters, we think of Scooby-Doo of Scooby-Doo, Snoopy of Peanuts, Courage of Courage the Cowardly Dog, and Seymour of Futurama. Simply put, Indy is a heartbreaker in an unexpected manner.
Jensen plays the role of Todd to the best of his ability. The character is a horrible person, but he’s merely human at the end of it all. My favorite aspects of him are his moments of selflessness, such as showering Indy in a bathtub or holding the dog when comfort is needed. Leonberg and Cannon reveal little about Todd, but by the final act, the insinuations about his habits and health choices are quite clear.
Final Thoughts on Good Boy
Good Boy is a horror movie for a reason; therefore, I wouldn’t suggest watching it to those who expect a feel-good narrative. Indy is an almost cartoonish caricature of a universal personality, and I believe a greater impact is left desirable. Sound designer Kelly Oostman’s inclusions of creaks and thumps to blend with Indy’s barks and whimpers are done for the sake of thrills. Diviney spends ninety-three percent of the film, more or less, on Grandpa’s household property, confining the narrative to fewer spaces. Even with these sorts of components, this IFC/ Shudder film plays a safe enough card and might benefit to a higher degree with human characters to care about.
3.5/5 stars
Ben Leonberg and Alex Cannon’s Good Boy comes to theaters this Friday, October 3rd, and is expected to stream via Shudder at a later date!
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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
