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A chilling new horror film is flipping the haunted house genre on its head — by telling the entire story from the perspective of a dog. 'Good Boy,' directed by indie filmmaker Ben Leonberg, has just released its first trailer exclusively through PEOPLE, and horror fans are already intrigued by its fresh point of view.
The film made its debut at the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival, where it immediately captured attention from both viewers and critics. After its premiere, 'Good Boy' was acquired by IFC and Shudder, two platforms known for championing unique horror films. One of the most surprising elements is the film’s lead, Indy — a real dog — who received the first-ever “Howl of Fame” award at SXSW for his emotional and unsettling performance.
According to the festival jury, Indy's natural reactions to unseen forces in 'Good Boy' created a genuinely suspenseful experience, turning everyday household settings into eerie, menacing spaces. They noted that his bond with his owner becomes the emotional centre of the film, even as supernatural forces threaten their safety.
What is 'Good Boy' About?
In 'Good Boy,' Indy and his human owner, Todd, relocate from the city to a quiet, long-abandoned family home in the countryside. Almost immediately, the dog senses an ominous presence in the house. He becomes disturbed by shadows in corners, tracks invisible figures across rooms, and appears traumatised by visions tied to the home’s deadly past. As the threat grows stronger, Indy must protect Todd from a sinister entity determined to drag him into the afterlife.
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Image Courtesy: IFC/Shudder
Director Ben Leonberg has emphasised that 'Good Boy' is not a lighthearted animal film. Unlike classic pet-focused movies like 'Lassie' or 'Air Bud,' Indiana (Indy) is not anthropomorphised or guided by human-like logic. The filmmaker aimed for realism, focusing on how a dog might instinctively react to supernatural danger — driven purely by fear, instinct, and loyalty rather than dialogue or internal narrative.
The trailer suggests a tense, atmospheric horror experience filled with dread, visual paranoia, and emotional weight — all viewed through Indy's unsettling, canine perspective.
'Good Boy' opens in theatres on 3rd October and is expected to be one of this year's most unique horror films — especially for audiences looking for a terrifying story told through entirely new eyes.
