A horror film so unsettling that critics are called it "the most disturbing movie in years" is coming to streaming. Good Boy, the breakout hit of SXSW with a flawless 100 per cent Rotten Tomatoes score, isn’t just another haunted house flick.
It’s a psychological nightmare seen entirely through the eyes of a dog. Directed by Ben Leonberg, the film follows Indy, a loyal golden retriever, as he’s forced to stay in a decaying old home with his owner’s grandfather (horror icon Larry Fessenden).
But what starts as whimpers at empty doorways soon spirals into full-blown terror as Indy — unable to speak or rationalise what he’s seeing.
While most horror films rely on jump scares or gore. Good Boy does something far worse, according to critics: it traps you inside a dog’s mind, where every flicker of movement, every unseen whisper, becomes a source of primal dread.
Critics have heaped praise on the project. Bloody Disgusting said: ‘Leonberg crafts a thoughtful, unnerving, and heartrending portrayal of how utterly terrifying it can be for a dog when his whole world is upended and he’s unable to understand why.’
The Hollywood Reporter wrote: “What comes across most strongly, and gives the film its emotional power, is Indy’s unfailing loyalty to his beloved owner and his willingness do practically anything to protect him.”
And Dread Central warned: “Don’t let the gimmick fool you; Good Boy is primed to be one of the most chilling movies of 2025.”
But fans who saw the film at Overlook Film festival in New Orleans, where it expanded from one to three theaters to satisfy audience demand, have freaked out.
One wrote on X: “Good Boy actually made me fear my pet. It’s scary to me how much they see and internalise.” Another wrote: “his is the first horror movie in ages that actually got under my skin.” “I can’t unsee this,” wrote a third.
Good Boy, the directorial debut of Ben Leonberg, has already generated significant buzz following its premiere at this year’s SXSW Festival, where it left critics and audiences alike utterly spellbound.
It is worth clarifying that this is not the same film as Viljar Bøe’s unsettling psychological thriller of the same name, nor is it related to the upcoming K-drama arriving on Amazon Prime Video this month.
Leonberg’s Good Boy is a supernatural horror with a truly unique premise. Ever wondered why your canine companion sometimes barks at seemingly nothing or stares intently into empty corners? This film finally provides an answer - and it is far more terrifying than you might expect.
Indy quickly realises that the house is far from ordinary. What begins as a series of strange occurrences soon escalates into full-blown paranormal terror, confirming that the rumours of the house being haunted are anything but a mere campfire tale.
An official synopsis teases: “Have you ever wondered why your dog stares at empty corners, barks for no apparent reason, or refuses to enter the basement? Good Boy is the story of a dog who sees every sinister entity that lurks in the shadows. No talking pets, just pure, unrelenting terror.”
Where you can watch Good Boy?
The horror-centric streaming service Shudder has acquired the rights to Good Boy, meaning subscribers will soon be able to watch the film via Amazon Prime Video’s Shudder channel. While an exact release date has yet to be announced, the acquisition has already sparked excitement among horror aficionados.
Amy Beecroft, Head of Verve Ventures — who negotiated the deal —told Deadline: “We immediately recognised the immense potential of Leonberg’s debut and are thrilled to strike this deal with Shudder.”
Extraordinary reception
The film’s reception at SXSW was nothing short of extraordinary, with critics hailing it as one of the most innovative horror releases of the year.
Horror films told from unconventional perspectives are rare, but Good Boy takes this concept to an entirely new level.
By restricting the narrative to Indy’s point of view, the film immerses the audience in a world where human logic does not apply — where every unexplained noise, every flickering shadow, and every unseen presence is magnified through the lens of canine instinct.
The result is a deeply unsettling experience that plays on primal fears, making the supernatural elements feel all the more real. Additionally, the film’s emotional core — Indy’s unwavering devotion to his owner — adds a layer of poignancy rarely seen in the genre.
What to expect
Horror fans can expect not only relentless scares but also a story that tugs at the heartstrings, making Good Boy a standout entry in modern horror cinema.
With its perfect critical score, innovative storytelling, and a performance from its four-legged lead that has already garnered praise, Good Boy is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about horror films of the year.
For those who relish psychological horror with a fresh twist — or simply adore films that push the boundaries of the genre — Good Boy is an absolute must-watch.
