Good Boy (2025)
Here’s a detailed overview of the film Good Boy (2025) — including a spoiler-free synopsis, key details, and how/where you can watch it.
π Spoiler-Free Synopsis
In Good Boy, Todd, a man suffering from a chronic lung disease, moves out of New York City and into his late grandfather’s eerie, isolated rural home in the woods. He brings along his loyal dog, Indy (a real-life dog playing “himself”). Wikipedia+1
The house carries a heavy past. Todd’s sister Vera worries that the house is haunted and that something strange caused their grandfather’s death. Indy, from his dog’s perspective, senses a presence in the house — shadows, odd sounds, eerie visions — that Todd cannot fully perceive. Wikipedia
As Todd’s health worsens, the line between real and supernatural becomes blurry. Indy becomes the key witness and protector, navigating the haunted space with heightened senses, trying to alert Todd and Vera to what’s unseen. Plot Explained+1
✅ Why It Works
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Unique perspective: The story is told largely from the point of view of Indy the dog — a vantage rarely used in horror. Roger Ebert+1
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Atmosphere over jump-scares: Many reviews praise how the haunted house is rendered through the dog’s sensory experience, making the familiar terrifying. Screen Rant
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Emotional core: The bond between dog and owner adds emotional weight, making the terror feel more personal. Wikipedia
⚠️ Things to Note
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The film is relatively short (~73 minutes) so it’s more of a compact experience than an epic horror saga. Wikipedia
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Because it is told from the dog’s POV, some narrative elements are ambiguous — you’ll need to lean into the atmosphere rather than expect full explanations. Screen Rant
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It’s an indie horror film — so production scale is smaller, which many find adds to the creepiness rather than detracts.
πΊ How/Where to Watch
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In the U.S., Good Boy had its theatrical release on October 3, 2025. Wikipedia+1
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Streaming/home-video status: It’s likely to become available for digital rental/purchase after its theatrical run, and eventually on Shudder (given the distributor) — but as of now it may still require a cinema visit or VOD rental. Decider+1
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If you're outside the U.S., check local listings, streaming platforms, or festival screenings.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the film scary?
A: Yes — it blends haunted-house horror with psychological ambiguity and uses the dog’s perspective to heighten tension. But it’s not a gore fest; the fear is more atmospheric.
Q: Do I need to watch anything before this?
A: No. It’s a standalone story. You don’t need prior knowledge of a series to understand or enjoy it.
Q: Is Indy the dog the main “character”?
A: Absolutely. Indy plays a central role and the film’s perspective largely centres on what he experiences. Wikipedia+1
Q: Does the story explain the supernatural or leave things ambiguous?
A: There is explanation, but many elements are deliberately ambiguous. The dog POV means some things are sensed rather than seen clearly. Screen Rant
Q: Where can I watch it internationally?
A: Look for region specific releases via the distributor (IFC/Shudder) or via digital rental. Some territories may have delayed release.
Q: How long is the movie?
A: About 73 minutes. Wikipedia+1