'Good Boy' Review
Image Source: IGN
The horror genre is not one you’d associate with simplicity, but director Ben Leonberg’s Good Boy banks on its protagonist’s unique point of view to create a simple gem of a story for pet lovers. As a horror movie, Good Boy needs to be watched with an open mind, especially after the idea of what a horror movie should be has changed drastically due to expensive CGI-driven movies that feature loud music and dialogue that make us cringe. Within the first few minutes, it establishes itself through the use of silence, an old-school style of lighting and sound design, creating a feeling of dread.
Good Boy stars director Ben Leonberg’s dog, Indy, and Shane Jensen, who plays his owner, Todd. The movie includes clips of Indy as a puppy, establishing that Todd and Indy have known each other since Indy was a baby. The “it-factor” lies in its use of Indy’s point of view as a heartbreaking chain of events unfolds. The promotional campaign made no secret of this, and it helped spark unprecedented interest in Indy. Most fans commented that they wouldn’t go anywhere near the movie if Indy met a tragic fate, and Leonberg did his best to address those concerns.
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Image Source: Cinema Blend
Without getting too spoilery, Good Boy is about the goodest boy, who follows Todd’s every command and unwillingly moves into his human’s damp and deserted upstate family home. There’s obviously something going on with Todd, and his sister, Vera (Arielle Friedman), seems uncomfortable with his decision to move into a home she considers haunted. On top of that, Todd has health issues that are never really addressed, and his pet is worried about him. Although he is involved in several repetitive situations, it doesn’t take long for the film to establish that nothing is in Indy’s paws. No matter how much he tries to be a hero, the poor boy has no idea what to do, and it hurts to watch him struggling. While most fans will worry about Indy’s fate, the movie is about something else, as it delves into the uncomfortable question of mortality.
This is not a film that delivers big CGI, and it might not be the scariest one fans will see this Halloween season, but Good Boy director Ben Leonberg makes the best of a low budget. What stands out most is that the movie has its heart in the right place, and its focus on the emotional connection between a human and their pet makes it universally relatable. Leonberg and Indy’s real-life bond is reflected in Indy’s performance, and his reactions to everything that’s happening to Todd are worth every second. Indy steals the show, and his performance is enough of a reason to watch Good Boy. While the plot is simple, by the end you’ll probably be able to interpret it in at least two different ways. Good Boy is an allegory, and once you’ve understood that, the simple story will take on a deeper meaning. A heartbreaking final act - wherein Indy faces his life’s toughest choice - ensures this film lingers with you long after you’ve left the theater.
Image Source: Medium
Even though Good Boy will never have a sequel, it does leave fans with a few questions. Since everything is shown from Indy’s point of view, fans never get to see his owner’s face, and much about his problems in the movie is left up to interpretation. Regardless, Good Boy makes a strong case for telling stories from non-human perspectives. Bring a box of tissues for the heartbreaking ending, and leave your pets at home, but not for too long!
Rating: 8/10
Good Boy is currently playing in select US theaters.
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Sources: IGN, CinemaBlend, Medium
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