Does the Dog Meet a Gruesome Fate in Good Boy? Here’s the Crucial Answer You’ve Been Seeking
Ben Leonberg/Independent Film Company/Shudder
Warning: This article contains spoilers for the film "Good Boy."
Good Boy poses a compelling question: "What would happen if an adorable little dog was confronted by otherworldly threats for just over an hour?" The initial reasoning behind this peculiar premise may not be immediately evident. Yet, any dog enthusiast watching the film will inevitably have a far more pressing concern: Does the dog die in *Good Boy?" Without prolonging the suspense—just as the film does not—dog lovers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that this particular canine hero makes it through the story alive. However, it's essential to note that he does not escape his harrowing journey completely unscathed. For this reason, those deeply passionate about animals should approach this film with a degree of caution.
In 2023, first-time director Kyle Edward Ball sparked our collective anxiety with his chilling film Skinamarink, which delves into the unsettling theme of children endangered by malevolent forces. The only scenario that could be worse, particularly for anyone who has felt the love of a faithful dog, is enduring a tense hour where a dog faces similar dangers.
While the premise may initially strike some as absurd, once you dive into Good Boy, it quickly becomes evident that you are witnessing a nuanced horror narrative. This film cleverly employs its dog-centric viewpoint not merely as a gimmick, but instead as a fresh and engaging take on the haunted house theme. As Chris Evangelista from /Film insightfully notes, Good Boy is genuinely innovative and unsettling. The pervasive unease intensifies particularly because it revolves around a lovable, devoted dog intent on protecting his owner. Yet, this aspect also leads to some distressing moments. Although Indy, the dog protagonist, survives the events of Good Boy, he experiences incredibly challenging trials along the way. If you are keen to discover the specifics of Indy’s fate before watching the film, continue reading.
Good Boy Puts Its Canine Star to the Test
Independent Film Company/Shudder
Directed by Ben Leonberg in his feature-length debut, Good Boy breaks one of the fundamental rules of the horror genre by casting a dog at the center of its terrifying narrative. This dog, named Indy, is actually the director's own pet, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, who essentially plays himself. The story chronicles Indy and his owner, Todd (played by Shane Jensen), as they relocate to a long-abandoned family home in the countryside that once belonged to Todd's grandfather (who is portrayed by the renowned indie horror figure, Larry Fessenden, also known for his cameo in Killers of the Flower Moon). After arriving, Indy quickly detects that something is amiss, soon finding himself haunted by visions of a devilish apparition and a deceased dog once owned by his grandfather. Meanwhile, Todd is suffering from a serious illness, which causes him to slowly unravel, depriving Indy of the love and care any dog would desperately need. This emotional distance is arguably one of the most heartbreaking elements of Good Boy, as Indy finds himself often alone, steadfastly loyal to his sick owner.
When it comes to the horror elements, the tone shifts markedly after Todd and Indy settle into their new residence, spiraling into a grim situation—not due to any spectral antics at least not right away. Dog lovers should brace themselves for the first upsetting moment when Todd comes home during a flare-up of his illness and aggressively pushes Indy away. After Indy persistently seeks closeness, Todd reacts with anger, resulting in a violent shove that marks a profoundly sad moment early in the film. Any dog owner might understandably feel the urge to pause the film here, but sadly, Indy's trials are only just beginning.
Indy Survives Good Boy, but at a Heavy Cost
Independent Film Company/Shudder
As the narrative of Good Boy unfolds, Indy is drawn to a forlorn chair in the attic, the very spot where Todd's grandfather passed away, seemingly from the same condition plaguing his grandson. There, Indy is confronted with a vision of his grandfather’s tormenting demise, causing him to wet the rug in fear before a creature reminiscent of a nightmare appears from the basement and looms behind him. The scene shifts to Todd finding Indy in the basement, covered in dirt and clearly terrified.
Something is profoundly wrong with this secluded retreat, prompting Indy to seek help after observing Todd disappear into the basement. We witness his solitary and frantic wandering through the woods, lost and terrified. Just when things couldn't seem worse, Indy accidentally gets caught in one of the fox traps scattered around the property.
When Indy regains consciousness, Todd has returned, yet he insists on leaving Indy outside, strapped to his doghouse in the relentless downpour. Shortly thereafter, the horrifying figure from the basement returns to torment Indy, leading the loyal pup to escape in search of his owner, who is fading fast. Todd’s eventual fate is vividly portrayed as he gets dragged into a dark abyss beneath the house while Indy looks on helplessly. Even though Indy tries his utmost to rescue Todd, he is powerless against the illness that ultimately claims his owner's life, leaving reality as harsh as it seems.
Thus, rather than being distressing in a "don't harm the dog" manner, Good Boy resonates more deeply as a genuinely sorrowful tale. The film's resolution offers little in the way of uplifting moments, presenting instead a devoted dog mourning the loss of his owner to an unnamed affliction he will never comprehend. In this light, it almost feels more tragic for Indy to survive, forever loyal yet grieving for the owner he adored throughout their time together. There’s no denying that even the most ardent fans would have simply refused to forgive Ben Leonberg for the thought of ending this good boy’s life.
You can now watch Good Boy in select theaters.
