This article does NOT contain spoilers for the film ‘Good Boy,’ but we’ve pieced together clues from the movie’s marketing to answer that all-important question.
“Good Boy,” one of the most eagerly anticipated horror films of the year, is hitting theaters on October 3, brought to you by IFC and Shudder. After positive buzz from film festivals like SXSW (including a solid 7/10 review from IGN’s Eric Goldman), audiences are buzzing about its unique premise: a haunted house story told from the perspective of Indy, a charming Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. But from the moment the first trailer dropped, one burning question has dominated discussions: Does the dog survive the movie? Given that pets often face unfortunate fates in horror films, and Indy is essentially the protagonist here, many dog-loving viewers need a little reassurance before they commit to what could be an emotionally taxing watch.
Does Our Good Boy Survive ‘Good Boy’?
Rest assured, we can calm your fears: the dog almost certainly makes it to the end.
While I haven’t personally seen the film yet, all signs point to a happy ending for Indy. Despite facing some spooky supernatural dangers, it appears the odds of him dying are incredibly low. The marketing team even released an exclusive public service announcement (PSA) specifically addressing Indy’s fate, after countless fans voiced their concerns on social media.
The dog almost certainly lives.
Thankfully, first-time feature director Ben Leonberg understood that nobody wants to see a good dog suffer. This makes perfect sense, as Indy is not just an actor but Leonberg’s own beloved pet in real life. While Indy’s human companion in the film, Todd, is played by Shane Jensen, Leonberg himself occasionally stepped in for Todd during filming. This allowed Indy to act alongside his real-life best friend, undoubtedly enhancing his performance on screen.
More: Good Boy Movie Review
How ‘Good Boy’ Came to Life
Indy’s performance is widely considered the film’s greatest strength, elevating it beyond a mere gimmick of a dog’s point-of-view narrative. The canine star even received a prestigious Howl of Fame Award at SXSW for his remarkable work. Critics consistently praise Indy’s effectiveness as the film’s lead, a testament to Leonberg’s unique directing approach. He and cinematographer Wade Grebnoel kept the camera almost exclusively at Indy’s eye level, often obscuring the faces of human characters except for crucial moments. While some might initially hesitate at a film shot in such an unconventional style, the overwhelmingly positive reviews and the confirmation of Indy’s safety suggest that most viewers will find the experience truly rewarding.
Leonberg and Indy should certainly be proud of their efforts, as creating “Good Boy” was a labor of love spanning three years. This extended production timeline was due to strict regulations on how long animal actors can work on set. Unlike productions that often use multiple animal doubles or CGI, “Good Boy” exclusively featured Indy because of his special bond with Leonberg. This meant shooting days revolved around Indy’s schedule, not the human crew’s. Leonberg and his producing partner (and wife), Kari Fischer, even established their own production company, ‘What’s Wrong With Your Dog?’, and lived in the very house where the film was shot. This dedication truly made the entire endeavor a heartfelt passion project for everyone involved.
Directors and Their Canine Co-Stars
Ultimately, “Good Boy” tells a profound story about the unwavering love between a dog and its human, even when a malevolent force threatens to tear them apart. Reviewers consistently highlight how the genuine connection between Leonberg and Indy shines through, contributing significantly to the film’s creative triumph. This trend aligns with dogs enjoying a notable moment in cinema, like Krypto the Superdog in James Gunn’s “Superman” reboot. While Krypto was a digital creation, his design was based on Gunn’s own dog, Ozu, proving that both “Good Boy” and “Superman” feature their directors’ beloved pets. After all, what better reason to make a movie than to showcase your best friend on the big screen?
Regarding Indy’s future acting career, Leonberg mentioned in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, “I think he’s retired and very happy. But if the right dog food brand wants to make a Super Bowl commercial, we’ll certainly entertain it. He loves to work. It’s more about who would have the resources to pull it off. So we’ll see.”
Are you excited to see ‘Good Boy’ and its canine star? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Carlos Morales writes novels, articles, and Mass Effect essays. You can follow his fixations on Twitter.