Good Boy

by Mike McGranaghan

Last year, we got In a Violent Nature, a slasher movie told from the perspective of the killer. This year, we get Good Boy, a horror movie told from the perspective of a dog. It’s great to see genre films working to flip familiar ideas on their heads. “Dog people” are going to be seriously freaked out by this one. Even if you prefer cats – or no pets at all – Ben Leonberg’s low-budget chiller is original and effective.

There are humans onscreen, although you never really get a good look at their faces because the camera remains at dog-level. The protagonist is Indy, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever who plays himself. His owner Todd (Shane Jensen) suffers from depression. After being released from a psychiatric hospital, Todd ventures to the secluded home of his late grandfather. Indy immediately senses another presence in the house, then begins seeing an ominous shadowy figure lurking around.

Dialogue in Good Boy is minimal, only coming from whatever is said to Indy or whatever he overhears. For the most part, the film follows him around as he investigates mysterious sounds in the backyard and basement. When alarmed, he attempts to alert Todd. Other times, Todd acts bizarrely, leaving Indy to ponder how to respond. Events grow more intense over the snappy 73-minute running time, especially as Indy gets glimpses of what happened to Todd’s grandfather (played, on videotape, by horror legend Larry Fessenden).

The concept is obviously clever. It’s also very well-executed. Leonberg captures what it must be like to be a dog sensing something is wrong and being able to do precious little about it. Suspense comes from watching Indy attempt to make sense of his experience and, as a loyal friend, protect Todd from danger. A shot as simple as Indy descending the stairs into the basement gives you chills, since you know he’s not terribly equipped to deal with the paranormal. Perhaps the most startling scene takes place in the yard after Todd chains him to the doghouse. Like I said, dog people will be beside themselves.

Without a doubt, the single most important element to the movie is Indy himself. I have no clue how Leonberg got this kind of performance from an animal. This dog has genuine facial expressions and matches them up to whatever the scene calls for. He looks concerned when necessary. When confronted with a supernatural sight, he appears frightened. Other times, he’s bewildered. Trust me when I say you will believe this dog read the script and is consciously acting. Indy is a legitimate force onscreen.

Good Boy has certain limitations in storytelling depth because of its canine point of view. That’s okay, though. The film has a very specific objective, which it accomplishes with style and a satisfying number of thrills.

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