'Chilling' horror film with 100% RT rating heading to streaming service
Good Boy, directed by Ben Leonard, created a storm when it screened at this year's SXSW Festival, earning a flurry of glowing reviews.
This is not to be confused with Viljar Bøe's shocking psychological thriller of the same name, or the K-drama heading to Amazon Prime Video this month.
Leonard's ghostly flick is a haunted house film with a twist – it is told entirely from the perspective of a dog, finally answering the question as to why man's best friend sometimes barks at seemingly empty spaces.
Indy is the focus of the tale, a lovable pooch who relocates to the home of owner Todd's (Shane Jensen) grandfather (Larry Fessenden) after Todd becomes sick.
The house is said to be haunted, something the duo soon come to realise is far from a terrifying story to tell around a campfire as they begin experiencing increasingly sinister paranormal phenomena.
A synopsis reads: 'Do you ever wonder why your dog stares at empty corners, barks for no reason, or refuses to go into the basement?
'Good Boy is the story of a dog who sees everything that goes bump in the night. No talking pets, just terrifying scares.'
Shudder has acquired the rights to Good Boy, meaning it will be available to stream through the service via Amazon Prime Video.
A release date has not yet been announced.
Speaking to Deadline, Amy Beecroft, head of Verve Ventures, who negotiated the deal, said: 'We immediately recognised the immense potential of Leonberg's debut and are thrilled to strike this deal with Shudder.'
Emily Gotto, SVP of Acquisitions and Production for Shudder, said in a statement: 'Ben Leonberg's debut is a singular experience in perspective-driven horror. Told entirely through the eyes of Indy, a devoted dog whose terror and determination to save his human become our own, the film delivers a haunting and emotional experience that introduces a surprising standout performance from Indy and a strikingly assured first feature from Leonberg.'
Film critics have dubbed Good Boy 'one of the best horror films so far this year', leading to its 100% rating thus far.
IndieWire wrote: 'What could have easily been a cheap gimmick instead provides the foundation for one of the best horror films so far this year.' More Trending
Bloody Disgusting said: 'Leonberg crafts a thoughtful, unnerving, and heartrending portrayal of how utterly terrifying it can be for a dog when his whole world is upended and he's unable to understand why.'
The Hollywood Reporter heaped praise on the canine actor playing Indy, writing: 'What comes across most strongly, and gives the film its emotional power, is Indy's unfailing loyalty to his beloved owner and his willingness do practically anything to protect him.'
Meanwhile, Dread Central warned: 'Don't let the gimmick fool you; Good Boy is primed to be one of the most chilling movies of 2025.'
Good Boy will be available to stream on Shudder via Amazon Prime Video
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