Good Boy proves that dogs really are man’s best friend. The new film is the directorial debut of Ben Leonberg, and follows a dog, Indy (also, Indy), and his human best friend, Todd (Shane Jensen).

After a health scare, the two relocate to Todd’s late grandfather’s lonesome cabin, despite his sister Vera’s (Arielle Friedman) insistence on the home being haunted. Todd shrugs all of the obvious signs of the home’s haunted nature, but of course, Indy can’t ignore the lurking shadows and creepy sounds. We see Indy focus in on dark corners, and approach the door to the basement with apprehension. The film completely focuses on Indy’s point of view, so when he’s scared you are right there with him.

The framing and point of view of the film really adds to its eeriness. We follow along at Indy’s eye-level, which will often cut off parts of the frame, and we hardly are able to get a focus on either Todd nor the neighbor. There is also a bit of blurriness that adds to the confusion and fear that Indy is feeling. Often, I would be second-guessing myself whether I saw something off in the distance, and I’m sure this is how Indy felt.

Another thing we experience alongside Indy are weird sounds that occur in the home. Conversations between Todd and Vera are cut off as Indy goes off to investigate and once Indy is alone, his cries and whimpers are all we hear. It’s altogether frightening and tragic to witness Indy’s experience in the house. However, besides the fear that Indy is encountering, we also are able to observe the fierce love that Indy has for Todd. The moments of love between the two is truly endearing, and anyone with a furry companion can relate.

The relationship between Indy and Todd was really moving. They are really each other’s only friends, and when there are moments where Todd is upset and takes it out on Indy, your heart just breaks. Despite these moments of conflict, Indy’s love is unwavering and he goes through fierce lengths to protect his human. This relationship is the major focus in the film, and makes the ending that much more impactful.

The work that Leonberg and his producer wife, Kari Fischer, put into training Indy is evident throughout the film. Indy is able to command the screen through his expressions and of course, tricks and stunts that have him running, pulling and barking (I’ve got some work to do with my own dog!) A film filled with creepiness that is pulled altogether with a poignant story on mortality and letting go results in a unique perspective in the haunted house genre; I was surprised at how moved the film left me feeling. I hope to see more from the trio in the future!