There’s a new haunted house movie titled Good Boy that just premiered at SXSW 2025. What makes this a first in the horror genre is that it’s told from the dog’s perspective. Directed by Ben Lemberg, the film stars his Toller dog, Indy, alongside human actor Shane Jensen as his owner Todd.
With dogs known for their ability to sense more than humans, Indy picks up on spooky happenings before his owner Todd… But as this is a haunted house movie and not just you home alone with your dog after you took an edible – It escalates into the supernatural.
After Todd and Indy move into a secluded family home, the pup quickly senses a malevolent presence lurking within the house, perceiving threats invisible to human eyes. As Todd’s health deteriorates, Indy becomes his steadfast protector, confronting the supernatural forces to save his dad.
Good Boy taps into the primal unease of the unseen, exploring what happens when man’s best friend becomes a harbinger of dread. Lemberg masterfully utilizes Indy’s natural canine instincts, capturing genuine reactions that amplify the film’s suspense.
Rather than relying on cheap jump scares, it cultivates a slow-burn psychological horror, meticulously building tension as Indy’s increasingly worried mood hints at a presence beyond human perception. Shot over an extended period to capture authentic dog behavior, it’s said that Lemberg’s patient direction and Indy’s compelling, but unsettling, performance make for a one-of-a-kind horror experience.
For another Toller dog that acts, check out our interview with Whiskey Toller: trick champion, accomplished actor, and service dog.
