Good Boy Review: Is the Horror Genre Better Through a Dog's Eyes?

Hey movie lovers! It’s officially spooky season, and while we’ve seen every haunted house trope under the sun, a new indie horror flick is barking up an entirely different tree.

I’m talking about Good Boy, the film that has critics and audiences completely captivated—and slightly terrified—by a premise so simple it’s brilliant: a ghost story told almost entirely from the perspective of a dog.

We’re keeping this review 100% spoiler-free, so don't worry, you can read on without fear of ruining the scares!

The Ultimate High-Concept Horror

The film centers on Todd (played by Shane Jensen) and his loyal Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Indy (playing himself—and giving an Oscar-worthy performance, honestly). Todd moves into a secluded, old family home, hoping to recover from a serious illness. From the moment they step through the door, however, it's clear the house is not empty.

But here’s the genius: we don't follow Todd’s human-level existential dread. Instead, the camera is glued to Indy's perspective, capturing the world at snout-level. Indy senses the dark forces immediately, tracking phantom movements, reacting to unsettling noises, and trying desperately to warn his oblivious owner.

Director Ben Leonberg manages to pull off this tricky high-concept gimmick perfectly. We see the world as Indy does: full of strange smells, barely perceptible shadows, and a deep, instinctual understanding that something is very wrong.

Shane Jensen: The Devoted Human

While Indy is undoubtedly the star, Shane Jensen’s performance as Todd is crucial because his character serves as the emotional anchor for the audience. Todd is dealing with his own complicated issues, and Jensen portrays him as vulnerable and isolated. We spend a lot of time observing the connection between man and dog, and that unwavering bond is what turns a simple horror film into something genuinely heartbreaking.

Todd’s face is often out of frame, out of focus, or only partially lit, which brilliantly reinforces the idea that Indy is the true protagonist. Jensen nails the physical acting required for a role that’s largely seen from the waist down, communicating Todd’s increasing distress and withdrawal through subtle actions that Indy—and the audience—must try to interpret.

Why It Works (and Why You Should See It)

Good Boy succeeds not because it's the goriest or most jump-scare heavy film of the year (though it has its moments), but because it taps into a primal fear: the idea of knowing disaster is approaching but being completely unable to communicate the danger.

If you’ve ever owned a dog, you know that unconditional loyalty. This film weaponizes that devotion, turning Indy’s struggle to protect his human into a source of profound, building dread. It's unsettling, atmospheric, and surprisingly emotional. Be prepared to root for Indy harder than you’ve rooted for any human hero in years!

At a tight 73 minutes, it’s a quick, punchy, and utterly unique experience. Just make sure you hug your own "good boy" or "good girl" extra tight when you get home.

Verdict: A fresh, visually inventive, and emotionally compelling supernatural thriller. Go see it!

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