The recently released trailer for the upcoming horror film Good Boy has sparked considerable buzz and a wave of concern among movie fans. Directed by Ben Leonberg, Good Boy presents a unique twist on the haunted house narrative by telling the story through the eyes of a dog named Indy. As Indy and his owner, Todd (played by Shane Jensen), move into an old farmhouse, Indy begins to sense a sinister presence, invisible to humans, lurking within the home.
The trailer, released earlier this week, quickly generated discussion online, with many expressing apprehension about the dog's fate. A surge in Google searches for "does the dog die in 'Good Boy'?" indicated viewers' concerns. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) have been flooded with comments from users hoping for Indy's survival.
Good Boy premiered at the SXSW Film Festival in March 2025, where it received positive reviews. Indy, Leonberg's real-life dog, even won the first-ever "Howl of Fame" award at the festival for his performance. The jury praised Indy's authentic and chilling portrayal of a dog experiencing the supernatural.
The film's premise centers around Todd inheriting his grandfather's rural farmhouse and moving in with his loyal companion, Indy. Despite rumors of the house being haunted, Todd dismisses them, but Indy immediately detects strange occurrences. Unable to communicate the danger to Todd, Indy must confront the malevolent forces threatening his owner. As the supernatural activity intensifies, Indy's loyalty is tested as he desperately tries to protect Todd from the evil presence.
The cast includes Shane Jensen as Todd, Arielle Friedman as Todd's sister, and Larry Fessenden as Todd's grandfather. Ben Leonberg's direction emphasizes Indy's perspective, often framing scenes from the dog's eye level. This approach heightens the suspense and allows the audience to experience the haunting through Indy's senses.
Good Boy is scheduled for a limited theatrical release in the United States on October 3, 2025, and will also be available on Shudder. The film is co-written by Ben Leonberg and Alex Cannon and runs for approximately 72 minutes.
The unique perspective, combined with the emotional bond between a dog and its owner, has generated significant interest in Good Boy. However, the trailer's suspenseful tone has also left many viewers worried about Indy's fate, leading to the online frenzy surrounding the question of whether the dog survives the film. Only time will tell if Indy will make it through the horror that awaits him and Todd in their new home.