The perfect Halloween movie companion: Ben Leonberg’s Good Boy blends psychological and traditional horror alongside magnificent cinematography and stellar practical effects.
Modern horror often relies on jump scares, rarely offering audiences a blend of genres. However, Good Boy is a different breed of scary film and changes the narrative using an unassuming, unique protagonist – a dog.
The Plot
The film centres on Indy, a dog whose owner is seemingly ill and dying; or so we’re led to believe. As the film progresses, his sickness sends not only Todd, his owner, for a tailspin but our canine companion too.
Production Details
Cast
- Indy (Indy)
- Todd (Shane Jensen)
- Vera (Arielle Friedman)
- Grandpa (Larry Fessenden)
- Richard (Stuart Rudin)
- Doctor (Anya Krawcheck)
- Weatherman / Narrator (Hunter Goetz)
- Bandit (Max)
- Dark Shape (Kari Fischer and Ben Leonberg)
Crew
- Director: Ben Leonberg
- Writers: Ben Leonberg, Alex Cannon
- Producers: Ben Leonberg, Kari Fischer
- Co-producer: Brian Goodheart
- Cinematography: Ben Leonberg (also credited: Wade Grebnoel)
- Editing: Curtis Roberts
- Original music: Sam Boase-Miller
- Production design: Alison Diviney
- Sound design: Kelly Oostman
Review
The Verdict
While critics rightly praised Good Boy for its cinematography, others believed it to be a discombobulating experience and that it lacked a solid script. However, this overlooks the film’s premise — it’s not meant to make sense to you, but to dogs.
This film is not necessarily about the living human experience but the confusing moments before death and the frightening elements man’s best friend must endure, coming to terms with their owner’s demise. I say, it’s done its job.
Indy is a phenomenal animal actor and at just over one hour long, Good Boy is the perfect film to add to your Halloween film night itinerary.
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