'Good Boy' Has 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, but Is It Really That Good & Worth Watching?
This film shows that, even in a crowded genre, a fresh perspective can be found by looking at the world through different eyes.
On October 3, a movie was released that could surprise even the most seasoned horror fan. Good Boy offers a fresh take on classic horror tropes, viewing them through the eyes of a faithful four-legged friend.
It's a rare case where a fresh concept outweighs flaws, making Good Boy a must-see.
What Is 'Good Boy' About?
Exhausted by life in the big city and seriously ill, Todd moves with his Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, Indy, to an abandoned house in the woods that once belonged to his late grandfather.
His sister, Vera, tries to dissuade him, reminding him of the place's eerie aura and the old man's lonely death. After that, his dog also disappeared without a trace. But Todd remains adamant.
Soon after the move, Todd's condition begins to deteriorate rapidly, and Indy senses a sinister, otherworldly force in the house draining the life from his owner.
'Good Boy' Is an Extremely Immersive Spectacle
First-time director Ben Leonberg and his camera crew did a phenomenal job ensuring the viewers see the action through the dog's eyes.
The camera captures the world as Indy sees it. We rarely see people's faces – mostly, we see their feet; we peek into dark rooms only when Indy ventures inside; and we literally follow his tail through a labyrinth of gloomy corridors.
The incredible credibility of the story is enhanced by the brilliant performance of the main character. Indy is played by the director's own pet, arguably one of the most expressive animal actors since Hachi.
While 'Good Boy' Is Not a Revolutionary Film, It's a Worthy Work With an Unusual Concept
The main criticism focuses on its reliance on jump scares and lack of plot surprises. Leonberg relies on familiar tropes, such as hands suddenly appearing out of the darkness and silhouettes in doorways.
However, the concept is so strong that it outweighs these shortcomings. While the director didn't take risks with the plot, he masterfully reimagined the familiar horror genre by putting the pet front and center.
This fresh perspective makes even the most typical jump scares tense because you don't fear for yourself but for the good boy Indy.
What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Good Boy'?
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Good Boy has 89% from critics and 83% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.
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On IMDb, the movie has a score of 6.5/10.
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On Letterboxd, Good Boy is scored 3.1/5.0.
Where to Watch 'Good Boy'?
Good Boy is currently in theaters.
