Good Boy - The Hero We Need

"Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in."

Mark Twain

At 45 years old, I’ve only had the privilege of a dog in my life one time. Her name was Mutley, and she was with me from my earliest memories of throwing scraps down to her from my highchair, until she passed away when I was sixteen years old. I was on vacation out of the state when she died, and that’s a regret I’ll always carry with me.

She was a scrappy girl, who almost died on three separate occasions over the years. The first time she was shot by some redneck asshole on the old country back-road where I once lived. Her second brush with death came when a much larger dog attacked her, and tore her head open, requiring stitches. And the third time was after having a cancerous tumor removed.

The cancer returned several years later, which is what ultimately claimed her, but I will never forget the day she came home from that initial surgery. I know, in my heart, it was one of the happiest days in both of our lives. We played in the yard for hours together; she was like a brand new dog again, full of life and vigor.

As a testament to the lasting impact that dog had on my life, to this day I still have her 1979 dog tag on my key chain, and still dream about her from time to time. Anyone who has ever loved a dog, been loved by a dog, and lost a dog knows all too well the scar it leaves on the heart. Not sure why I never had another dog, aside from the fact that at some point, cats started moving in and taking over by the never ending distribution system.

My little account is only to state the lasting importance and impact these wonderful souls can have on our lives, a fact which I was again reminded of while recently watching the 2025 indie horror release entitled Good Boy, starring Indy the dog, who gives a captivating performance.

For those who aren’t aware, Good Boy (definitely to not be confused with a 2022 film of the same title) is a supernatural horror film written and directed by Ben Leonberg, which takes place from the dog’s perspective, as a menacing entity keeps drawing closer and closer to his human companion, Todd. Indy, who is a Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also happens to be Leonberg’s own dog, and steals the show.

The film builds genuine tension as deathly shadows begin circling in around the dog and his owner, and Indy is somehow charismatic enough to keep what is, for the most part a rather generic plot, moving forward.

There’s no denying there is a gimmick at play here, which has been buzzing around the internet for many months that: “Nothing better happen to that damn dog!” I’m sure half the viewers of this film probably watch for no other reason than to make sure the dog gets out of it alive.

Don't worry, the animal rights group PETA gave the film a "Good Boy - Great Filmmaking" award, and ensured that dog was treated with the highest standards.

While the plot isn’t anything particularly new, and the 73 minute run-time was somehow both too long and too short, there is enough charm and pulling of heart strings here to make dog lovers genuinely fear for the handsome pooch and root for him to save the day.

By all definitions Good Boy has been an indie success story (pun intended for Indy the dog). Released in limited theaters with limited showings on October 3^rd on a budget of $750.000 dollars, it went on to gross $8 million at the box office, and I’m sure the digital rentals of this title are brisk. It’s currently available to rent on Amazon Prime and Fandango, and will be released on Shudder sometime later this month.

You should definitely watch it with your dog(s), while giving them a big hug.

=====

Michael A. Dyer is the host of the HORROR TO CULTURE podcast, vidcast, and website. He is also a creative contributor for the SCARY SALAD Network.