Good Boy (2025) Summary and Review - One Dog and His Man

Good Boy begins with a quietly unsettling image: Indy, the titular good boy, watching over his owner Todd, who lies unconscious with blood trickling from his mouth. Flickering lights and static from the TV unsettle Indy, who senses that something isn’t quite right. Todd’s sister, Vera, arrives just in time to call an ambulance, but the strangeness of the moment lingers.

The Foundation of the Film

The film then shifts into a montage of Indy growing up alongside Todd—a warm glimpse into their bond that lays the foundation for everything that follows. It’s this connection, communicated almost entirely through behaviour rather than dialogue, that becomes the emotional core of the film.

Once Todd is discharged from hospital, he insists on retreating to their late grandfather’s isolated countryside home, hoping the change of scenery will restore some sense of normality. Vera warns him against it, worried about his health and uneasy about the house, which she describes as “creepy” and possibly haunted. Their grandfather’s unfortunate death on the property only deepens her concerns.

Indy's Instincts

When they arrive, Indy is reluctant to enter the house, his instincts immediately signalling that something is off. As they settle into the neglected, cluttered property, Indy becomes increasingly aware of a presence to which Todd remains oblivious. Todd distracts himself with old VHS recordings of their grandfather and continues to ignore his worsening health, while Indy grows more alert to creeping disturbances: shifting shadows, creaking floors, flickering lights. His hackles rise at sounds Todd can’t hear, and he prowls the hallways searching for the source.

He catches glimpses of shapes moving in the darkness but never fully revealed figures. Strange dreams plague him. At one point, he becomes aware of another dog nearby, though whether it’s friend or threat remains unclear. As Todd’s physical and mental state deteriorate, Indy stays vigilant, doing his best—within the limitations of being an animal—to protect him from the harmful presence lurking in the house.

The Star of the Show

Indy is undeniably the film’s central star. He’s a gorgeous dog with intelligent, expressive eyes, a calm demeanour, and remarkable screen presence—in fact, the screen mostly belongs to him, as the human cast are often framed from the knee down or seen from a blurred distance. While it’s tempting to praise his “acting,” the credit goes to Ben Leonberg’s direction (Indy is his real-life dog), along with clever editing and camera choices that make it feel as though Indy truly understands the stakes.

Visually, the film is a treat for a low-budget production. Creative use of shadow, natural light, and colour generates an ominous sense of something just out of sight without sacrificing clarity. In some scenes, Indy appears almost ethereal, giving him a faintly spiritual presence. Instead of a traditional score, Good Boy leans on a subtle soundscape that blends into the environment and steadily tightens the film’s sense of unease.

The film’s jump scares are used sparingly and effectively, but Good Boy is far more interested in subtle, creeping dread and one dog’s love for his man. Its focus on loyalty, grief, and the helplessness of watching someone you love unravel gives the story unexpected emotional weight. There’s even an undertone that caring for one’s own health might prevent the kind of emotional fallout shown here.

Not Without Flaws

The film isn’t without flaws. Even with a tight runtime, the limitations of having a dog as the lead become apparent—some scenes feel repetitive or visually unclear. Shane Jensen’s performance as Todd is somewhat stilted, and the connection he’s meant to share with his beloved companion doesn’t always land, particularly as the film reaches its climax.

Still, Good Boy is a thoughtful, atmospheric horror film with a unique perspective. Parallels could be drawn with The Woman in the Yard (read review here: The Woman in the Yard) in its metaphorical approach, and if you liked that film, this one will likely appeal too. Animal lovers will easily forgive its shortcomings, and even those less inclined may be drawn in by the film’s creativity and the charm of its premise. It’s worth watching for many reasons, but the delightful Indy is certainly one of them. He really is a good boy.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Characters & Production Details

Todd: Shane Jensen
Vera: Arielle Friedman
Indy: Indy

Writer: Ben Leonberg
Director: Ben Leonberg
Year of Release: 2025
Runtime: 77 minutes