Jeri Jacquin
Coming to theatres from director Ben Leonberg and Shudder is the story of something in the dark from a dog’s point of view because he is a GOOD BOY.
Todd (Shane Jensen) has found a friend in pup Indy and the two are inseparable. Deciding to head to his grandfather’s cabin deep in the woods, it is a getaway from home for them both. Almost immediately, Indy sense something is not right and is hesitant. Noises and shadows are keeping the canine on high alert in the night.
Daylight brings a welcome relief and a morning walk through the woods together. Exploring the family cemetery, Todd runs into the neighbor and they both remember his grandfather. Indy stands patiently but is still uncomfortable. As another night filled with creaking and sounds arrives, it also brings a fitful sleep for Indy. When Todd leaves him alone in the house, Indy refuses to move from the window.
Another rainy night and Indy is seeing and experiencing what has been making him uneasy since the very first night. What is moving all around them is clearly paranormal but Todd does not see it. Vera (Arielle Friedman), Todd’s sister, is constantly calling him feeling that something is happening not realizing it is only adding to his frustrations. The thing that lives in the house only Indy can see but how can he communicate it before everything falls apart.
Jensen as Todd is a young man who needs to get away from it all. Going to his grandfather’s house, it is a chance to take a breath but also holds strange memories for him. As the days begin to pass, it is clear something is wrong with Todd. Is it real or is it whatever seems to be taking over the house have plans of its own. Not seeing Jensen’s face, he relies on physical actions to tell his part of the story and it is so awesomely done. His body language has a story of its own to tell and Jensen pulls it off.
The voice of sister Vera, Friedman is clearly concerned with her brother and doesn’t understand his need to be at a house buried deep in the woods. Her voice tries to be sisterly in concern but tends to come off overtly motherly but then again, I’d sound that way as well.
Let us talk about the four-legged star INDY – a dog who sees everything past and present. He is on high alert the moment they pull up to the gate and seems almost ready for anything. That being said, what he sees is frightening. The line between what is real and what is dream is criss-crossed as this canine is nothing short of amazing. I followed everything he looked at, his expressive eyes, the whines as if to say ‘listen to me!’ and the protective nature against the blackness in the night. Admittedly, I cheered for Indy the whole time!
Other cast include Larry Fessenden as Grandpa, Stuart Rudin as Richard, Hunter Goetz as the Weatherman, Anya Krawcheck as the Doctor and Bandit as Max.
Shudder is an American over-the-top subscription video on demand service featuring horror, thriller, and supernatural fiction titles, owned and operated by AMC Networks. The streaming service offers original films, TV series—such as Creepshow, based on the 1982 film—and documentary series. Shudder's library also features non-original programming, including well-known horror films. For more information, please visit www.shudder.com.
GOOD BOY is exactly the kind of ‘horror’ film I love. Instead of trying to get frights from blood and gore, this film takes us to the dark places many people are scared to admit they hate. The shadows, the unexplained noises, the creaking doors and floors and – the ultimate fright – a dark, dank basement. Let me tell you, my grandparents had a basement like that and you could not get me down those stairs if you offered me all the treats in the world. Nope, not happening!
Making a horror film that is shown through the eyes of a dog is absolutely brilliant! Focusing on what he experiences and keeping the human faces mainly obscured, I found myself clutching the side of my chair at times. Keeping the story in one location allows the frights to build slowly wondering what is around every corner and in every room. What is in the darkness is so subtlety done that when confronted, silence is better than a scream.
This is director Leonberg’s directorial debut and he should be extremely proud of what he has done. The originality is something I have craved in all genres of film so when it is right in front of me, I’ll make it loud from the rooftops that everyone sees it for themselves. Take someone with you because having that arm to grab next to you is everything. Once the film is over you will once again remember why Indy would be called the ultimate ‘man’s best friend’.
In the end – trust his instincts!
Good Boy will be in UK Cinemas from 10th October
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