On October 3, 2025, Netflix will unleash Good Boy, a groundbreaking horror film that’s already being hailed as a masterpiece for its innovative storytelling and heart-wrenching emotional core. Directed by Ben Leonberg in his feature debut, this supernatural thriller flips the haunted house genre on its head by telling the story entirely from the perspective of a dog named Indy. Starring Leonberg’s real-life Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever alongside a talented human cast, Good Boy transforms an innocent canine into the sole witness to unspeakable terrors, delivering a chilling experience that’s as emotionally devastating as it is terrifying. With a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a wave of buzz following its SXSW 2025 premiere, the film promises to redefine horror for dog lovers and genre fans alike. Here’s everything we know about this haunting tale set to dominate Halloween season.

A Dog’s-Eye View of Terror

Good Boy centers on Indy, a loyal retriever who moves with his owner, Todd, from the bustle of city life to a long-abandoned family home in rural America. From the moment they arrive, Indy senses something is deeply wrong. Shadows stretch unnaturally across the walls, whispers echo from empty corners, and fleeting glimpses of a gruesome past haunt the house. As Todd, played by Shane Jensen, begins to unravel under the influence of a malevolent force, Indy becomes the only one aware of the supernatural threat. Unable to communicate in human terms, the brave pup must rely on his instincts and unwavering devotion to protect his beloved companion from a darkness that threatens to consume them both.

The film’s genius lies in its unique perspective. Every scene is framed from Indy’s eye level, immersing viewers in the world as seen through a dog’s eyes—low to the ground, alert to sounds and smells humans can’t perceive. This approach transforms familiar horror tropes into something fresh and visceral. When Indy stares at an empty corner or barks at an unseen presence, it taps into the eerie real-life experience of pets sensing something beyond human comprehension. The film’s 73-minute runtime ensures a taut, relentless pace, wasting no time plunging viewers into Indy’s growing dread. From ghostly apparitions to unsettling home movies discovered in the house, the supernatural elements are deliberately vague, allowing Indy’s reactions—whines, growls, and frantic tail wags—to carry the emotional weight.

The story is as much a tribute to the bond between humans and their pets as it is a horror film. Indy’s loyalty to Todd, even as the human succumbs to the house’s sinister influence, is the heart of the narrative. Flashbacks of happier times—Indy as a puppy playing fetch, napping beside Todd, or bounding through a park—contrast starkly with the present-day terror, making every moment of danger feel deeply personal. The film doesn’t shy away from the heartbreak of watching a devoted dog grapple with forces he can’t understand, creating a rare horror experience that’s both terrifying and profoundly moving.

A Stellar Cast and Canine Star

Indy, the film’s four-legged protagonist, steals the show with a performance that’s already earned him the inaugural “Howl of Fame” award at SXSW. Not a trained animal actor, Indy is director Ben Leonberg’s own dog, and his natural expressiveness—conveyed through soulful eyes, twitching ears, and subtle body language—brings an authenticity that CGI could never replicate. Leonberg and his wife, producer Kari Fischer, spent three years and 400 camera days coaxing Indy’s performance, using treats and playful cues to capture his reactions. The result is a canine lead who feels like a true hero, conveying fear, determination, and love without a single word.

The human cast supports Indy’s journey with understated but powerful performances. Shane Jensen plays Todd, a young man grappling with an unspecified illness that worsens as the house’s malevolence takes hold. Jensen’s portrayal captures Todd’s vulnerability and growing detachment, making Indy’s desperate efforts to save him all the more poignant. Arielle Friedman shines as Vera, a friend concerned for Todd’s well-being, while horror veteran Larry Fessenden brings gravitas as a mysterious neighbor who hints at the house’s dark history. Supporting roles by Anya Krawcheck and Stuart Rudin add depth to the rural setting, evoking a sense of isolation and unease.

The film’s ensemble is deliberately small, keeping the focus on Indy and Todd’s bond. Unlike traditional horror films that rely on large casts or graphic violence, Good Boy leans into psychological dread and emotional intimacy. The human characters are often seen from Indy’s perspective—faces partially obscured or framed at odd angles—reinforcing the dog’s centrality to the story. This bold choice ensures that every scare, from a shadowy figure in the rain to the ghostly apparition of a long-dead dog named Bandit, feels immediate and personal.

A Labor of Love Behind the Scenes

Directed and co-written by Ben Leonberg with Alex Cannon, Good Boy is a testament to independent filmmaking. Produced under Leonberg and Fischer’s aptly named company, What’s Wrong With Your Dog?, the film was shot in the couple’s own home, adapted to serve as the eerie rural house. The three-year production process was a labor of love, with Leonberg and Fischer working around Indy’s schedule, using creative techniques like silly noises and strategic treat placement to elicit his performance. Cinematographer Wade Grebnoel’s innovative approach keeps the camera at Indy’s eye level, using light and shadow to craft an atmosphere of unrelenting tension. The visual palette—muted greens, grays, and flickering candlelight—enhances the sense of foreboding, while the sound design, filled with distant creaks and Indy’s anxious whines, amplifies the horror.

The film’s score, composed by an up-and-coming indie artist, blends haunting strings with subtle percussion, mimicking the rhythm of a dog’s heartbeat to underscore Indy’s emotional journey. The production’s minimalist approach—no CGI, no over-the-top effects—grounds the supernatural elements in a way that feels authentic and unsettling. Leonberg’s decision to keep the ghostly forces ambiguous avoids clichéd explanations, letting Indy’s visceral reactions guide the audience’s fear.

Critical Acclaim and Cultural Impact

Good Boy premiered at the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival on March 10, where it earned raves for its bold concept and emotional depth. Critics have called it “one of the best horror films of the year,” praising Indy’s standout performance and Leonberg’s assured direction. With a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 21 reviews and a Metacritic score of 71/100, the film has struck a chord with audiences and reviewers alike. Its trailer, released in August 2025, went viral, amassing over 1.3 million YouTube views in just five days, prompting Netflix to secure streaming rights alongside a wide theatrical release by IFC Films and Shudder on October 3.

The film’s appeal lies in its universal themes. Dog lovers will connect with Indy’s fierce loyalty, while horror fans will appreciate the fresh take on the haunted house genre. Social media is abuzz with reactions, from fans sharing clips of their own pets staring at “nothing” to others debating whether they can handle the emotional weight of Indy’s plight. The film’s marketing, including a poster featuring Indy’s soulful eyes against a shadowy backdrop, has fueled anticipation, with hashtags like #GoodBoyHorror trending across platforms. The viral buzz even led to a spike in searches for “does the dog die in Good Boy,” reflecting audiences’ deep investment in Indy’s fate.

A Fresh Take on Horror

Good Boy stands out in a crowded horror landscape by subverting a common trope: the sacrificial pet. Unlike films like Jaws or Hereditary, where animals often meet tragic ends, Good Boy makes Indy the hero, not the victim. This shift resonates deeply, especially for viewers wary of animal harm in horror. The film’s brisk runtime and focus on Indy’s perspective keep it from overstaying its welcome, though some critics note that the human characters, particularly Todd, lack depth, and the supernatural mystery could be more complex. Still, these minor flaws are overshadowed by the film’s emotional power and innovative execution.

The story taps into a primal fear: what do our pets see that we can’t? Indy’s reactions—barking at empty corners, chasing invisible threats—mirror real-life moments that pet owners know all too well, making the horror feel grounded and relatable. The film also serves as an allegory for unconditional love, with Indy’s determination to save Todd reflecting the profound bond between humans and their dogs. This emotional core, combined with genuinely unnerving sequences like Indy’s encounter with the ghostly dog Bandit or a chilling moment involving old home movies, ensures Good Boy delivers both scares and heart.

Why Good Boy Matters

Good Boy arrives at a time when horror is pushing boundaries, with 2025 delivering standout films like Weapons and The Monkey. Its unique perspective and indie spirit make it a perfect fit for Netflix’s horror catalog, alongside psychological thrillers and supernatural chillers. The film’s wide release on October 3, followed by its Netflix debut, positions it as a must-watch for Halloween, appealing to both casual viewers and hardcore horror fans. Its SXSW accolades, including Indy’s “Howl of Fame” award, signal its potential to become a cult classic.

For dog lovers, Good Boy is a love letter to the loyalty and bravery of our canine companions. For horror enthusiasts, it’s a bold experiment that reinvents a familiar genre. Whether you’re drawn to Indy’s soulful performance, the eerie atmosphere, or the promise of a fresh scare, Good Boy is poised to leave a lasting mark. As the October 3 premiere approaches, one thing is certain: this is one good boy you won’t forget.