**A Dog’s Sixth Sense: *Good Boy* Brings a Chilling Twist to Haunted House Horror**

Have you ever had the feeling that your pet perceives something beyond your awareness? Perhaps it’s the way they stare intently at an empty space, bark suddenly in the stillness of night, or dart from a room as if escaping an invisible entity. These strange actions leave us feeling uneasy, longing for our furry friends to articulate what they’re sensing. *Good Boy* seizes this unnerving concept, weaving a haunted house horror narrative focused on a loyal dog desperately attempting to alert his owner to the supernatural threats drawing near.

### A Daring Choice: Placing a Dog in Jeopardy

Highlighting a dog in trouble is a bold gamble. In Hollywood, there’s a silent consensus: while human characters can experience savage demises with minimal audience reproach, endangering a dog is nearly unforgivable. Viewers might not flinch at a slasher victim or a throwaway antagonist, but when a dog is put at risk, emotions soar. There’s even a dedicated site, [Does the Dog Die?](https://www.doesthedogdie.com/), designed to inform sensitive viewers about a dog’s fate in movies. The *John Wick* series thrives on this very notion—audiences root for a man as he dismantles an army to avenge his cherished puppy.

Director, co-writer, cinematographer, and producer Ben Leonberg recognizes this heartfelt connection and exploits it to its fullest potential. He casts his own pet, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever named Indy, as the film’s canine lead, subjecting him to frightening ghostly encounters and foreboding visions. The outcome? A horror experience so gripping it had me yelping like a child witnessing their first frightening film. Kudos to Leonberg and Indy for presenting such a pulse-pounding journey.

### *Good Boy* Redefines Classic Horror Elements

Penned by Leonberg and Alex Cannon, *Good Boy* opens with recognizable horror motifs: flickering lights, unsettling sounds emanating from a dark basement, shadowy figures hovering just beyond sight, and glowing eyes piercing the night. Yet, by placing a dog at the center of these frights, the filmmakers create a distinctive dynamic that amplifies the tension.

As veteran horror buffs, we instantly recognize these clichés—we understand a malevolent force is at work. However, Indy, much like Carol Anne in *Poltergeist*, lacks the awareness to comprehend the situation. This knowledge void heightens his plight even further. We worry for him even before he grasps he’s in peril.

The storyline is simple: Todd (Shane Jensen), feeling ill, opts to vacate his cramped urban apartment for his late grandfather’s secluded cabin. Nonetheless, the deserted house is far from inviting. From the moment they set foot inside, Indy instinctively senses something amiss. While Todd occupies himself with setting up the generator and ignoring calls from his anxious sister, Vera (Arielle Friedman), Indy remains highly vigilant.

As the supernatural force intensifies, the tension mounts. We, the viewers, perceive the threat, but Todd remains unaware. Indy, unable to convey the danger, finds himself ensnared in a horrifying predicament with no escape.

### Indy’s Performance is Truly Outstanding

Beyond its spine-tingling scares, *Good Boy* enthralls audiences with its canine lead. From the instant Indy appears on screen, his expressive eyes, floppy ears, and charming demeanor make him utterly lovable. But more than just being adorable, Indy gives an impressively nuanced performance.

Whether he’s gazing into a menacing void, reacting to sudden jolts of horror, or rushing to shield Todd, Indy is entirely invested in every moment. Leonberg’s profound bond with his pet certainly contributes to capturing such a riveting portrayal. The film, filmed over three years, illustrates the trust and patience necessary for collaborating with an animal actor. Importantly, the end credits ensure viewers that “No animals were harmed in the making of this film.”

Leonberg’s cinematography heightens the suspense as well. Horror enthusiasts are conditioned to watch the background for lurking dangers, and the film cleverly plays into this expectation. Shadows hover behind Indy, keeping us on edge. Close-ups of his trusting expression draw us into his viewpoint, amplifying his fear and making it feel all the more immediate.

### *Good Boy* is a Tribute to Dog Loyalty

At its essence, *Good Boy* tells a story about how unworthy we are of dogs. Todd isn’t a negligent pet owner, but he’s so engrossed in his own dilemmas that he overlooks what Indy is attempting to communicate. Vera even mentions the genuine ability of dogs to perceive things beyond human comprehension—not merely drugs or explosives, but also impending mortality. Indy is a guardian, tirelessly striving to protect