A groundbreaking horror film that tells its entire story through the eyes of a dog has opened in South Korean theaters, earning praise as one of the year's most innovative and emotionally powerful genre films. "Good Boy," directed by American filmmaker Ben Leonberg in his feature debut, presents what is being called the world's first horror movie shot entirely from a canine point of view.
The 73-minute film follows Indy, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, as he attempts to protect his ailing owner Todd from a mysterious supernatural presence lurking in the woods around their isolated home. What starts as a simple act of canine loyalty transforms into a haunting battle for survival, with every scene experienced through the heightened senses and perspective of the four-legged protagonist.
Leonberg's most daring creative decision involves maintaining the dog's viewpoint throughout the entire film. The camera remains positioned at ground level, moving only where Indy moves and focusing on what captures his attention. Rather than presenting a traditional ghost story through human eyes, audiences are immersed in a canine world dominated by scents, sounds, and shifting patterns of light and shadow. Even the smallest vibration or distant flicker becomes terrifying when experienced from this low-to-the-ground perspective, transforming familiar horror elements into something startlingly original.
Instead of relying on conventional jump scares, the director builds tension through empathy – the unique kind that only a dog can inspire. Indy responds to subtle changes in his environment, tilting his head at invisible forces or trembling quietly beside his sick owner. This approach creates a universal emotional connection, tapping into primal fears about loss and highlighting the unconditional bond between pets and their human companions.
The film's authenticity is enhanced by the fact that Indy plays himself, with the dog actually belonging to director Leonberg in real life. Every movement, expression, and reaction is genuine, achieved without any computer-generated effects or artificial intelligence enhancement. "No CGI, no AI, just Indy," Leonberg explained in an interview with USA Today, describing the filmmaking process as requiring extraordinary patience and precision.
Production reportedly spanned three years, during which Leonberg and his wife, producer Kari Fischer, filmed hundreds of hours of footage based on Indy's natural behaviors and responses. The director sometimes stepped in to portray Todd during key emotional scenes, helping Indy deliver authentic reactions that drive the story forward.
Visually, "Good Boy" succeeds through deliberate restraint and atmospheric building. The film features dimly lit interior spaces, muted forest color palettes, and a carefully crafted soundscape incorporating rain, breathing, and television static to create an atmosphere of mounting dread. Flickering screens and distorted reflections suggest hidden layers of mystery, hinting at darkness that only Indy's enhanced senses can detect.
Audience members and critics have praised the film not only for its creative originality but also for its surprising emotional depth. As one online reviewer noted, "You start out scared of what's in the shadows, but you end up afraid for Indy." The dog's unwavering loyalty, demonstrated as he remains by Todd's side even as supernatural danger approaches, transforms the horror elements into something profoundly touching and relatable.
While "Good Boy" isn't without minor flaws – its deliberately slow pacing may challenge viewers expecting rapid-fire scares, and some scenes extend longer than strictly necessary – these quiet moments actually represent the film's greatest strength. The measured approach allows audiences to fully immerse themselves in Indy's world and emotional journey.
The film has already achieved significant commercial and critical success since its North American premiere earlier this month. It has grossed over $4.8 million, making it the second-highest opening weekend in IFC Films' history, trailing only "Late Night with the Devil." Indy himself received the inaugural Howl of Fame award at the 2025 South by Southwest Film & TV Festival, while the production earned recognition from PETA for its compassionate treatment of animals during filming.
Leonberg's restrained directorial approach combined with Indy's completely natural performance transforms what could have been a simple gimmick into something quietly powerful and moving. The result is a film that focuses less on traditional horror elements and more on exploring the fragile but profound devotion between a man and his faithful companion. This modest yet striking debut leaves a lasting emotional impact and suggests promising futures for both director Leonberg and his canine star Indy.
"Good Boy" is currently playing exclusively at Megabox theater locations throughout South Korea.
