Shudder is dialing horror into a whole new perspective with Good Boy, and its freshly dropped trailer is already tugging at our nerves—and our heartstrings. The reason? This isn’t just another horror flick. Good Boy tells its story through the eyes of Indy, a loyal pup caught in a nightmare alongside his owner. Yes, the film literally lets us experience terror through man’s best friend.
Directed by Ben Leonberg—who also stars and co-wrote the script with Alex Cannon—Good Boy co-stars Shane Jensen, Arielle Friedman, and horror veteran Larry Fessenden. The film premieres in theaters on October 3, just in time for peak Halloween season.
The trailer not only showcases the film’s innovative canine perspective but also highlights its critical reception, including a glowing 95% “Fresh” score on Rotten Tomatoes. Much of the buzz is centered on Indy’s powerhouse performance, earning comparisons to breakout animal stars like Anatomy of a Fall’s Messi and The Artist’s Uggie. As ScreenRant’s review teased, the stakes aren’t just spooky—they’re emotional. One of the most quoted reactions says it best: “If the dog dies, we riot.”
Positioned perfectly between horror heavyweights—landing a week after The Strangers: Chapter 2 and two weeks before Black Phone 2—Good Boy has a window to carve out its own place in theaters. Indie horror has a long history of breaking through (The Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity, and this year’s viral hit Longlegs). Shudder itself has had success earlier in 2025 with Dangerous Animals, proving audiences are hungry for fresh ideas.
And fresh is exactly what Good Boy delivers. By centering the horror around a dog’s perspective, the film taps into a universal emotional trigger. Few things create instant audience anxiety like seeing an animal in danger. And here, Indy is front and center. Chains rattling, shadows creeping, and forces beyond comprehension… all witnessed through the eyes of a pet who just wants to protect his human.
With its inventive approach, high praise, and perfectly timed release, Good Boy could very well become this year’s indie horror breakout. Come October 3rd, horror fans and animal lovers alike will be chanting the same mantra—protect Indy at all costs. With that being said, get your tickets for Good Boy which are on sale now. For now, watch the trailer above.