Every now and then, a horror film breaks through the noise—not with A-list stars or a sky-high budget—but with originality so bold, it refuses to be ignored. IFC Films’ upcoming supernatural thriller Good Boy is that film. And now, after a trailer that exploded across the internet, this genre-defying gem is getting its day in the sun (or, more fittingly, the eerie moonlight).
From Indie Underdog To Viral Darling
Originally slated for a limited release, Good Boy has officially been upgraded to a full theatrical rollout, arriving in theaters nationwide on October 3rd, 2025. This shift follows a staggering viral response to its trailer, which has racked up over 3.5 million views across IFC and IGN’s YouTube channels. It’s a rare feat for an independent horror film—and a clear sign that audiences are ready for something different.
A Horror Movie Told Through The Eyes Of A Dog
Yes, you read that right. Good Boy is a 72-minute supernatural horror film told entirely from the perspective of a dog named Indy—portrayed by writer-director Ben Leonberg’s real-life Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. The camera never breaks the pup’s perspective, making for a uniquely immersive experience. Think The Blair Witch Project meets Homeward Bound, but soaked in dread and mystery.
When Indy’s owner, Todd, moves them into a secluded countryside home, the loyal dog begins to sense—and eventually see—things that defy explanation. Shadowy figures. Disembodied whispers. And a presence that seems to be watching… waiting.
While the premise might sound unconventional (and it is), early festival buzz suggests Good Boy delivers not just scares, but emotional resonance. The film premiered at SXSW, where it quietly became one of the festival’s breakout hits, earning a glowing 95% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes.
IFC’s Growing Horror Legacy
This move comes as IFC and its sister label Shudder continue a strong run in genre filmmaking. Following the theatrical success of Late Night with the Devil ($10 million) and In a Violent Nature ($4.2 million), Good Boy looks set to bite into similar box office territory. Scott Shooman, head of IFC Entertainment Group, shared the company’s excitement:
“Last year was our second-best theatrical year ever, and we want to continue that. We see an opportunity as the studios are moving to three- and four-quadrant business for the indies to try and find interesting, noisy product and make it as big as possible.”
Good Boy may be small in runtime, but its bark is proving to be loud.
A Cast Anchored In Indie Credibility
The film stars Shane Jensen, Arielle Friedman, Larry Fessenden (an indie horror legend in his own right), and Stuart Rudin, among others. But make no mistake—the real star here is Indy. In an age where horror is constantly reinventing itself, Leonberg’s choice to center the story through a dog’s POV is both risky and refreshingly bold.
Is Good Boy The Horror Movie Of The Fall?
Come October, all eyes may be on the usual Halloween season blockbusters—but savvy horror fans should keep their ears perked and noses to the ground. Good Boy could very well be this year’s sleeper hit.
It’s rare to find a film that dares to be this different—and even rarer for audiences to embrace it before it hits theaters. But that’s exactly what’s happening here. Good Boy is more than just a viral sensation—it might just be a new horror classic in the making. Good Boy opens nationwide on October 3rd, 2025, via IFC Films and Shudder.