The Scream Queen

If you happen to own a dog, then you may know the strange feeling of seeing them staring intently into a corner of a room that is empty. What can they see that we can’t? Do their heightened senses detect a paranormal realm hidden from the human eye? Or are do they just enjoy staring at the wall? Unfortunately, it is impossible to decipher what our dogs are thinking, but director Ben Leonberg tries to do just that in his new horror hit Good Boy. Originally intended to be a direct-to-Shudder release, Good Boy garnered much interest from its unique premise – a ghost story told through the perspective of a dog – that it has managed to secure a theatrical release. Buzz around the film has been widespread, particularly due to the films furry protagonist, Indy. In fact, Indy has became so much of a viral sensation that searches into whether or not the dog dies have soared through the roof – and if you too are curious about the fate of this four-legged friend, and indeed whether the film is worth a prize badge, then keep reading.

*Major spoilers ahead – you have been warned.

Let’s address the elephant – or should I say canine – in the room; no, the dog does not die. Thankfully, Leonberg’s pooch makes it to the end of this low budget indie success. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the poor Golden Retriever, belonging to main character Todd’s (Shane Jensen) dead Grandfather, who warns Indy against making the same mistake he did (don’t worry – this death happens off screen and we only see its spirit and bones). Dealing with animals always makes for an emotional rollercoaster, and despite Indy’s happy ending, the film is still a heartfelt love letter to man’s best friend that will be sure to leave many eyes blurry in movie theatres.

Despite a tiny budget, Leonberg’s Good Boy stretches the imagination to its 73 minute runtime to ensure this premise is more than simply a gimmick. Good Boy is beautifully shot, and makes exquisite use of the old country house location that we spend most of our time. Seeing the narrative from the dog’s perspective is nothing short of genius, as we squeeze into each nook and cranny, juxtaposed by the how large everything feels in comparison to Indy. The film is a suspenseful masterclass in building dread until it is almost unbearable – if you are here looking for a typical jump-scare filled affair, then you will be dissatisfied. Instead, Good Boy turns out to be poignant rumination on grief, friendship and mortality. It is an understanding of death as we have never seen before; from the perspective of a creature that doesn’t fully understand the nature of what is happening to his owner. When you realise what is really happening, it will hit you like a bright green tennis ball to the face. The twist is executed well, and saves the narrative from simply being another ghost story.

But there is one thing that makes the film stand out as a triumph; the titular Good Boy himself, Indy. Belonging to writer/director/producer Ben Leonberg, Indy might be one of the best actors of our generation – and I say this with no hint of sarcasm or irony. The emotional range of Leonberg’s furry friend is astounding, and in a film that is light on dialogue, Indy carries the majority of the narrative to a genuinely endearing extent. The fact that people need to know whether or not he survives before even going to see the film shows our pre-disposed attachment to those animals we share our homes with, and Indy will be sure to join the lexicon of beloved cinema pets; if you are a dog lover, then see this movie for Indy alone.

Final Verdict:

Good Boy gives us one of the best performances of the year so far, and it comes in a surprisingly furry form. Indy, the four-legged protagonist of this viral indie success, tells a ghost story about grief with astounding poignancy, reminding us why we consider dogs to be man’s best friend. It may be more of an emotional rumination than an all out horror film, but Good Boy delivers suspenseful dread that will leave you wondering whether or not the titular pooch makes it to the end. But don’t dwell too much on the question of ‘does the dog die’ – Good Boy is a treat for all horror and dog lovers alike.