Lots of A-list actors got their starts in horror movies — Kevin Bacon in “Friday the 13th,” to name one. But there’s never been a horror debut quite as star-making as the one a gorgeous retriever named Indy gives in the riveting new haunted house thriller, “Good Boy.”
Under the director Ben Leonberg, Indy‘s soft eyes and remarkably focused demeanor channel joy, pathos and, most astonishingly, terror. Leonberg and his wife, Kari Fischer — the film’s producers as well as Indy’s parents — should be proud: Their nepo baby actually deserves the acclaim.
“Good Boy” opens as Todd (Shane Jensen) takes Indy to an isolated cabin he inherited from his grandfather (Larry Fessenden). As Todd and Indy watch old horror movies and cuddle, Indy sees what Todd doesn’t: a wheezing, deathly dark figure menacing the house. Todd is dying, and while Indy doesn’t know that — does he? — he knows Todd is in danger.
Leonberg mostly films from Indy’s perspective, not cartoonishly like Beggin’ Strips commercials, just low, forcing us to simultaneously experience Indy’s terrifying visions and Indy himself in full panic. Whereas “Cujo” and other scary movie dogs are evil, Indy is loyal and kind, characteristics that Leonberg’s stellar cinematography captures in luminous close-ups.
This is assured horror filmmaking. Heartbreaking too: Anyone who’s held a pet as comfort from pain or despair should have tissues at hand.
Remember this, dog owners: The next time your pup causes a ruckus when you leave the house, it may not be because he’s alone, but because he knows he’s not.
Good Boy
Rated PG-13 for a dog in danger and phantoms menacing. Running time: 1 hour 12 minutes. In theaters.
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