The cinematic shockwave of 2025, the horror film Good Boy, is finally available for audiences to brave from the safety of their sofas. After a theatrical run that left even the most seasoned horror fans trembling, the movie arrives on Shudder via Amazon Prime Video on November 21.
A Canine-Centric Nightmare
Directed by Ben Leonberg, Good Boy generated immense buzz following its premiere at the SXSW Festival, largely due to its unique perspective. The supernatural tale is seen through the eyes of Indy, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever who is the real-life pet of Leonberg and his wife, producer Kari Fischer.
The plot follows Indy and his owner, Todd (Shane Jensen), as they relocate to the remote home of Todd's grandfather (Larry Fessenden) after he suffers a medical emergency. Heed the warning from Todd's sister, Vera (Arielle Friedman) – the house is haunted. It isn't long before sinister occurrences confirm her fears, plunging both man and his best friend into a waking nightmare.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reactions
The film has been met with overwhelming critical praise, achieving a certified fresh 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The critics' consensus describes it as a "visually striking, emotionally devastating horror film that eschews genre conventions."
Metro.co.uk awarded the film a stellar 4.5-star review, calling it "one of the best horror films you will see in 2025." Meanwhile, Observer noted that the picture is both "hair-raising and heartbreaking," a sentiment echoed by many who found the blend of terror and emotion uniquely powerful.
The choice to frame the story from the dog's point of view is a masterstroke. It amplifies the tension exponentially, playing on the long-held theory that dogs can perceive entities beyond human comprehension. Every whine from Indy and every bark at an empty corner builds a palpable sense of dread, making the audience fear what the loyal dog senses long before his owner does.
Beyond the Scares: A Push for Recognition
The film's success has sparked a conversation about the recognition of animal actors in cinema. Following its release, IFC directed an open letter to the Academy, signed by Indy himself, petitioning for animal actors to be considered in the Best Actor category.
While the Academy has yet to respond, a groundswell of support emerged on social media, with countless fans declaring that Indy deserved an Oscar for his moving and believable performance.
Good Boy is more than just a scare-fest; it's a testament to the unwavering bond between a dog and his owner, set against a backdrop of creeping supernatural horror. Mark your calendars for November 21 to experience the film that critics are calling a genre highlight.
