Good Boy (2025) Review

If you’ve ever had a pet, you’ve surely experienced the unnerving occurrence of your furry friend all of a sudden staring intently at… nothing. Barking insistently at nothing at all. But what if it isn’t… nothing?

There has been a lot of hype about Good Boy, and for good reason. Whilst there have definitely been gems in recent years, the saturation of the genre has left audiences bored by tired tropes and craving something new. Good Boy delivers a truly unique perspective and, let’s face it, everyone is a sucker for a gorgeous leading man who can take commands.

Good Boy is the self produced, first feature from director Ben Leonberg, who cast his own dog ‘Indy’ as the fuzzy protagonist. The nepotism can be forgiven in the case of this nova scotia duck tolling retriever as he delivers a stellar performance whilst living up to the name and demonstrating he is an all round good boy.

The story is told solely from Indy’s perspective, both in terms of narrative and literally – with the majority of filming shot at his eye line. The ensemble cast are often shot from the neck down or hidden in shadow, making it clear that this is very much Indy’s story. The film invites the viewer to put themselves in his… paws(?) – and consider, what exactly is it that dogs are most afraid of?

Understandably, there is very little dialogue, but Leonberg demonstrates that you don’t need it to create a tense atmosphere. What dialogue we do hear acts as supplementary to driving the narrative, which instead focuses on the experiences of mans best friend. This stylistic choice keeps the audience curiously in the dark, working as an interesting tool to amplify the fear of the unknown.

The minimalist dialogue also enhances the subtle noises often overlooked. A creak of a floorboard, the tinkling of Indy’s collar, or his snuffles as he follows an unusual scent. With very simple stylistic choices, we get to experience the world as Indy does and become more alert to the signals received by other senses.

Very early on, I found myself admiring the beautiful cinematic lighting utilised which plays with colour and shadow to evoke emotions. From the cozy and homey warm tones of safety to the cool hues of the unknown, I do wonder if it was a deliberate decision to utilise the colours most easily distinguished by dogs (a stylistic choice famously employed by Aussie kids show, Bluey). I have to assume from the way my own pug was engrossed, that this was a clever choice. Frustratingly, I can’t ask my dog for his opinion, and this frustration is echoed in the restrictions faced by Indy as he witnesses disturbing events and can’t voice his concerns to his owner.

Despite the barriers, Indy doesn’t need to be vocal to tell us who he is. His backstory is explored through a montage of his early years, silently yet effectively establishing his loyalty, fear of rain, and unbreakable bond with his owner.

As a dog lover myself, this film was always going to appeal to me. Despite my instinct to go gooey over any puppy dog I see, I made a conscious effort to remain objective and focus on the feature on it’s own merit as opposed to being clouded by the novelty of such a cute protagonist.

Good Boy isn’t an overtly terrifying tale, but it will stay with you. I can honestly say that Indy is a fantastic actor. His expressive face and reactions tell a story, delivering a species defying performance which allows the audience to feel the range of emotions experienced without ever uttering a word. Emoting in ways humans can’t, whether it be a subtle twitch of the ear or a flagging tail, his emotional state is immediately recognisable. Indy is certainly very successful in portraying ‘heckin’ concern’.

It’s evident that dogs can do some amazing things. In 2025, we have dogs that can detect substances well beyond any physical, human capabilities. From drugs, to money and even illness and cancer, it really doesn’t seem much of a leap to consider there may be other things they can sense that we have not yet discovered.

From the doggy dream sequence to fuzzy phantoms, on paper there are elements of Good Boy that should feel silly, and it’s quite an achievement that it doesn’t at all. The foundations are set of an emotionally compelling narrative and I was happy to be immersed in this tail wagging world.

Indy is undoubtably a superstar, and I just hope the fame doesn’t go to his head once he begins rubbing shoulders with the A listers. The Indy in the story is unyieldingly loyal to his owner, and it is clear that to deliver such a performance that this is a reflection of reality.

I really enjoyed Good Boy. Whilst it could very easily have been a phoned in affair that relied on social media clout, instead I found it to be a thoughtful and considered piece that succeeds in doing something truly unique.

As Good Boy concludes, I find myself again considering what dogs are truly afraid of. Apart from the evil hoover of course, it seems their worst nightmare is losing us. We are their whole world, and anyone privileged enough to have a pet should cherish every moment with their companions.

There are so many dogs in shelters across the country right now needing a loving home, so if you are in a position to enrich a life, I urge you to look into adoption.

Unique, creepy, and at it’s core, undeniably sweet – Good Boy made me want to snuggle my pug a little closer. Dogs really are man’s best friend.

Movie Rating:

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