For a lot of feature directorial debuts, we often see directors try to make their mark by tackling a fresh perspective or establish a distinct style to instantly set themselves apart. Well, Ben Leonberg does just that with his feature debut, Good Boy, by letting man’s best friend lead audiences through an atmospheric, supernatural horror ride. 

The film follows a dog named Indy (himself) who heads to a secluded cabin with his ailing owner Todd (Shane Jensen) only to find that they’re being haunted by a strange entity whose grasp grows closer to them. With this isolated setting, Leonberg sets an eerie tone just as Indy and Tood arrive that only gets creepier with time. The woods surrounding the cabin are so vast and lonely that it’s literally unsettling when these two walk around or run into someone else. When night falls, the darkness consumes this place in a chilling fashion that only makes them seem overwhelmed by this presence that appears. Honestly, Leonberg plays with shadows really well to create a looming concern that someone, or something is always waiting to strike. Good Boy has the creepy atmosphere of a supernatural chiller, and the perfect protagonist to keep viewers on-edge at all times. 

It might seem unorthodox to talk about a dog’s acting skills because, well, it’s rare to have dogs in such a prominent role like this. But Leonberg’s direction helps Indy deliver a great performance that’s surprisingly tight and emotional. A big reason why this concept of a dog leading a horror film works is because Indy has a very emotive face. He conveys concern, fear, and care very smoothly and moves throughout the setting well to keep the story flowing. Leonberg knows how to utilize Indy to his full potential as a lead character and showcases some impressive direction. He makes sure Indy acts correctly to maintain a taught emotional throughline yet also ensures that he stays natural to the situation. There are a lot of actiony moments where Indy is on the run or facing this presence head-on that he excels with. Plus, he’s so freaking adorable that he has your heart from the start and further digs into your fees with every look he gives Todd. More importantly, Leonberg taps into those thoughts we have about what our animals sense that we don’t with these stares that Indy has that heighten the suspense and horror. 

It’s a lead performance that really works well within the story that’s crafted, which is pretty good too. Admittedly, it’s a little too bare bones to stay consistently engaged with, even with such a short runtime. We constantly go through the same beats of Todd becoming sicker while this presence continues to pull itself closer to Todd and Indy. There are some aspects, like a recurring story surrounding Todd’s grandfather (Larry Fessenden) and his dog disappearing, that help build a stronger narrative and more unsettling horror. But, it’s barely enough to thicken up the plot and we barely get to understand this entity much, who is fairly thin as well. Yet, there’s enough here to keep viewers hooked and some great horror throughout that makes you uneasy. Leonberg injects plenty of odd dream sequences with Indy and effective jump scares to keep the horror vibes high. And, the relationship between Todd and Indy is so real and emotional that it maintains its power throughout to lead to a surprisingly crushing ending. Despite some effects that reflect the film’s small scale and budget, Good Boy hits right in the gut with its finale, and those last shots carry an emotional weight that leaves you unexpectedly weary – fitting for the end of a personal horror journey. 

Good Boy is a standout debut from Leonberg that might not light the world on fire with its story, but leaves a distinct impact because of its execution. Indy the dog is an undeniable star who holds the supernatural horror and surprising emotion together while reflecting the skills Leonberg has as a director. Good Boy is  so unique and legitimately scary at times that it’s a must-watch this Halloween season. 

Watch the Trailer Here: