The Shudder streaming service has successfully secured the distribution rights for the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand for the highly anticipated supernatural thriller Good Boy. This captivating film takes a fresh approach to the classic haunted house genre by narrating the chilling story from the unique viewpoint of the family dog, providing a fascinating twist that is sure to engage audiences.
In the capable hands of director Ben Leonberg, who co-wrote the screenplay with Alex Cannon, Good Boy features Leonberg’s own pet, Indy, who embarks on an exhilarating journey alongside his beloved human, Todd. Together, they move from their bustling city life to a long-abandoned family home nestled in the countryside. From the outset, two striking elements become apparent: Indy’s palpable trepidation towards the eerie old house and his steadfast love for Todd. As Indy navigates this unsettling new environment, he becomes increasingly aware of the ominous forces at play, sensing unseen entities, following ghostly trails, and receiving spine-chilling warnings from a spectral canine. His once peaceful existence is upended as he witnesses harrowing visions of the former occupant’s tragic end. When a dark, malevolent force begins to ensnare Todd, Indy must muster the courage to confront this sinister presence and protect his human from a fate intertwined with the afterlife.
The human cast features notable actors such as Larry Fessenden from Blackout and Stuart Rudin, known for his role in The Silence of the Lambs. Their performances, alongside Indy’s, are expected to contribute significantly to the film’s chilling atmosphere and emotional depth.
Amy Beecroft, the head of Verve Ventures, played a crucial role in negotiating the distribution agreement on behalf of the film’s creators. In a conversation with Deadline, Beecroft expressed their immediate recognition of the incredible potential of Leonberg’s debut project, stating, “We immediately recognized the immense potential of Leonberg’s debut and are thrilled to strike this deal with Shudder.” On the other side of the negotiations, Emily Gotto, the Senior Vice President of Acquisitions and Production for Shudder, praised the film, saying, “Ben Leonberg’s debut is a singular experience in perspective-driven horror. Told entirely through the eyes of Indy, a devoted dog whose terror and determination to save his human become our own, the film delivers a haunting and emotional experience that introduces a surprising standout performance from Indy and a strikingly assured first feature from Leonberg.“
The article from Deadline highlights the dedication of Leonberg and his wife, Kari Fischer, who not only produced the film but also adapted their home for the shoot and served as stand-ins for three years to accommodate Indy’s production schedule. The production timeline extended over an impressive 400 days, showcasing the patience and commitment required, particularly since Indy is not a trained animal actor. Despite the challenges faced during filming, the outcome is an authentic and haunting representation of a dog’s perspective as he grapples with his home taking on a life of its own, promising to deliver an emotional experience for the audience.
As an enthusiast of both the horror genre and our loyal canine companions, I find the premise of Good Boy to be exceptionally intriguing. I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to experience this unique film when it becomes available on Shudder.
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