In the spine-tingling new trailer for Good Boy, released on Monday, man’s best friend transforms into man’s bravest defender. The film stars Indy, a real-life dog making his big-screen debut, alongside Shane Jensen, and teases a mix of heartwarming moments and supernatural scares.
A New Home with Old Secrets
Good Boy follows Todd (played by Jensen) and his faithful pup Indy as they leave city life behind and move into a long-abandoned country home that’s been in the family for generations. What starts as a fresh beginning quickly turns into a nightmare as the pair are haunted by disturbing paranormal activity.
The trailer opens on a wholesome note, with childhood clips of Indy as a puppy and sentimental messages like “man’s best friend” and “always by your side” flashing across the screen. But the tone shifts fast. Strange sounds echo in the night, eerie knocking shatters the silence, and Indy becomes the first to sense that something’s not right.
One chilling scene shows an unseen figure slamming their head repeatedly into a door as Indy barks in alarm. The moment cuts abruptly, building suspense and raising the stakes.
Paranormal Dangers Lurk
The trailer quickly escalates with a flurry of haunting images — flickering lights, shadowy figures, and a sinister growl from Todd’s grandfather (played by horror veteran Larry Fessenden). Indy is seen darting through forests, patrolling hallways, and staying ever-vigilant to protect his beloved owner.
According to the official synopsis, the film centers on “our canine hero, Indy,” whose loyalty to Todd never wavers, even as ghostly forces threaten them both. Indy is suspicious of the eerie house from the very beginning, but his bond with Todd gives him the courage to stand guard and fight back.
Ben Leonberg’s Feature Debut
Good Boy marks the directorial debut of Ben Leonberg — and the casting is as personal as it gets. Leonberg’s own dog, Indy, plays the lead role, and judging by the trailer, the pup is up to the task.
The cast also features Arielle Friedman, Anya Krawcheck, and Stuart Rudin. The film made its world premiere earlier this year at the SXSW Film Festival, earning early praise for its blend of heartfelt storytelling and horror thrills.
Release Dates Set
IFC Films is set to release Good Boy in North American theaters on October 3, just in time for spooky season. A U.K. release will follow one week later on October 10.
With a fresh angle on the horror genre and a canine hero audiences are sure to root for, Good Boy promises both heart and horror — and it just might make you see your dog in a whole new light.