Good Boy Review – A Bold Horror Told Through a Dog’s Eyes

Movies Good Boy Ben outubro 12, 2025 0 Comentários

Good Boy Review – A Bold Horror Told Through a Dog’s Eyes

In the ever-evolving landscape of the horror genre, filmmakers are constantly seeking new and innovative ways to captivate audiences. One such recent offering that has piqued the interest of genre enthusiasts is “Good Boy,” a 2022 horror film directed by Ben Leonberg. Departing from the traditional human-centric narratives, this film boldly explores the terrifying events unfolding within a remote cabin through the eyes of a loyal canine companion.

As a self-proclaimed dog lover, I was immediately intrigued by the premise of this film. The idea of experiencing a horror story from the perspective of a beloved pet promised a fresh and compelling take on the genre. Upon delving into the content, I was struck by the director’s ambitious approach and the unique challenges he faced in bringing this concept to life.

Embracing the Canine Perspective

One of the most striking aspects of “Good Boy” is its unwavering commitment to the canine perspective. Rather than relying on CGI or other technological tricks, the director made the bold decision to train the film’s canine star to navigate the eerie setting and capture the unfolding events through its eyes. This decision, while undoubtedly challenging, has resulted in a truly immersive and captivating viewing experience.

The film’s proximity to the dog’s perspective creates an instant connection for viewers who share a deep affection for these loyal companions. By following the dog’s movements, reactions, and attempts to protect its owner, the audience is drawn into a world that is both familiar and unsettling. This approach “creates that instant connection from the first minute, because then you’ll see a partnership relationship between the owner and the dog, but much more directed to how the dog wants to protect its owner.”

This unique perspective not only sets “Good Boy” apart from traditional horror films but also allows the director to explore the inherent tension and unease that can arise when a beloved pet senses something sinister lurking within its environment. The review astutely observes that the film’s focus on the dog’s behavior, such as its sudden barking or unusual movements, becomes a narrative device that heightens the sense of mystery and foreboding.

Minimalist Approach to Tension and Terror

Another aspect of “Good Boy” is the director’s minimalist approach to creating tension and terror. Rather than relying on jump scares or elaborate special effects, the film opts for a more subtle and atmospheric approach, drawing heavily on the power of silence and the dog’s own reactions to the unseen forces at play.

The review notes that the film’s “minimalist soundtrack, focusing on silence, focusing also on the dog’s own behavior, on the logic of bringing to the narrative device things that happen.” This deliberate choice to eschew traditional horror tropes and instead focus on the dog’s senses and perceptions creates a sense of unease that lingers long after the credits have rolled.

By refusing to provide the audience with a clear, human-centric perspective, the director forces viewers to share in the dog’s uncertainty and vulnerability. As the review states, “the public shares a feeling that they’re as uninformed about the situation as the dog.” This approach not only heightens the suspense but also invites the audience to engage more deeply with the film’s underlying themes and metaphors.

Strengths and Limitations of the Canine-Centric Approach

While the film’s ambitious and innovative nature is praised, it also acknowledges the inherent limitations of the canine-centric approach. With the human element relegated to a secondary role, the narrative can at times feel repetitive and constrained, as the director is limited in how much he can expand the story without relying on traditional storytelling devices.

As the review states, “with a 100% focus on the dog’s perspective, you can imagine that there’s not much to expand. After all, the human is secondary. So, what happens here? The same things end up repeating themselves. The first time it catches your attention, the second time it loses interest, the third time it’s simply tiring.”

This observation highlights the delicate balance the director must strike in order to maintain the film’s unique perspective while also providing a satisfying and engaging narrative. The review suggests that the director may have been better served by exploring the film’s concept as a short or a more concise feature, rather than attempting to stretch it to a full-length runtime.

Comparisons to Similar Cinematic Experiments

The director of “Good Boy” is compared to another filmmaker who has explored unconventional perspectives in the horror genre – Steven Soderbergh and his 2024 film “Presence.” Both directors are attempting to subvert the traditional approach to “haunted house” narratives, with Soderbergh focusing on the architecture of the space and Leonberg centering the dog’s experience.

This comparison highlights the growing trend among filmmakers to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of the horror genre. By experimenting with new perspectives and narrative techniques, these directors are offering audiences a fresh and thought-provoking take on the familiar tropes of the genre.

The review suggests that while “Good Boy” may not fully succeed in sustaining its unique approach throughout the film’s runtime, it nonetheless represents a bold and ambitious attempt to redefine the horror experience. As the reviewer states, “I really applaud the fact that Good Boy has a good idea, wants to do something different, doesn’t need to lean on CGI, doesn’t need to lean on super makeup or a sequence of jump scares.”

Conclusion: A Promising Experiment in Horror Storytelling

In conclusion, “Good Boy” represents a bold and innovative experiment in horror storytelling, one that challenges the audience to experience the genre through the eyes of a loyal canine companion. While the film may not fully succeed in sustaining its unique perspective throughout its runtime, it nonetheless stands as a testament to the director’s ambition and the growing trend among filmmakers to push the boundaries of the horror genre.

The film’s strengths lie in its minimalist approach to tension and terror, its immersive canine-centric perspective, and its ability to draw the audience into a world of uncertainty and vulnerability. While the limitations of this approach are also acknowledged, the review ultimately praises the director’s control over the project and the potential for future, more refined explorations of this intriguing concept.

For fans of horror, dog lovers, and those seeking a fresh and thought-provoking cinematic experience, “Good Boy” is a film that is well worth seeking out.