In 2025, horror fans were treated to a diverse range of scares, but one film stood out by featuring a brave dog confronting supernatural forces. The movie Good Boy earned widespread acclaim, highlighted by a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes and praise from horror legend Stephen King himself. King shared his admiration for the film on BlueSky on January 9, noting its unique perspective.
Ben Leonberg’s short and rather wonderful movie, ‘GOOD BOY,’ is shot from the dog’s perspective. It works.
Stephen King, horror author
A Story of Loyalty and Unseen Dangers on a Remote Farm
Good Boy follows Todd (Shane Jensen), a man suffering from chronic lung disease who relocates to a secluded farm with his dog, Indy. As Todd’s health worsens, Indy begins to witness strange apparitions and other unsettling events around the property. Through it all, Indy remains devoted, taking every step to protect his owner from the mysterious threats. For viewers worried about the dog’s fate, the film assures that Indy’s ending will be emotionally satisfying.
Indy’s Remarkable Journey from Canine Star to Award Winner
The film’s success is due in large part to Indy’s compelling performance. Director and co-writer Ben Leonberg revealed that filming took over three years and approximately 400 shooting days, as Indy could only work for short periods to prevent stress. This careful approach paid off, and Indy was recognized with the Astra Award for Best Performance in a Horror or Thriller, surpassing acclaimed actors like Alison Brie in Together, Sally Hawkins in Bring Her Back, and Ethan Hawke in Black Phone 2. Notably, Indy became the first animal to receive a major acting award typically reserved for humans.
Future Prospects for Indy and Upcoming Projects
While what lies ahead for Indy remains unknown, Ben Leonberg expressed enthusiasm about future work involving animals, alongside human actors, in an online discussion. He shared his excitement for projects featuring humans who can follow scripts, but also his openness to returning to stories centered on animals.
I’m very excited for my next film to have human actors (who can read a script and won’t wander off set to chase squirrels) but I do think I’ll return to animal storytelling at some point in the future.
Ben Leonberg, director and co-writer
Indy’s unique contribution to 2025’s horror landscape showcases how inventive storytelling and a fearless canine lead can capture audiences and critics alike. The film’s success underscores potential new directions in horror cinema, blending emotional depth with supernatural thrills. Fans and newcomers will likely watch closely to see if Indy returns for another haunting adventure.
Hi /r/movies! It's Ben Leonberg (director) and I'm here with my dog Indy, the star of GOOD BOY, a supernatural horror movie from the perspective of a dog, which will be available to stream on Shudder Nov. 21st. Ask us anything!
byu/GoodBoyAMA inmovies
