Good Boy (2022)

Having been on my list to see since seeing the poster, I was excited to finally check out Good Boy. The cast is fully committed, delivering performances that make the bizarre premise almost believable. The film's color temperature lends a dreamlike quality to every scene, with a soft and ethereal filter that enhances the surreal atmosphere.

Christian, the millionaire heir, and Sigrid, the young student, hit it off quickly, but the twist of Frank—who acts and dresses like a dog—adds a layer of peculiarity that hooks you from the start. I expected this film to be much weirder, honestly. Don’t get me wrong, it slowly goes off the rails, but what I assumed would be an obvious work of fiction is beyond plausible. What normal college girl wouldn’t go for a millionaire with a human acting as a dog, right?

The story shifts about halfway through, taking a strange turn and spiraling into craziness from there. It reminded me of films like Tusk and Human Centipede, though much more tame in comparison. The main protagonist, Christian, had shades of Patrick Bateman in his demeanor, adding an intriguing layer to his character.

Good Boy is much more cohesive than expected. It’s well-acted and stands as a solid indie film. The reveal at the end is a highlight, and the last shot leaves you thinking long after the credits roll.

Available to watch now on Amazon Prime and Tubi, Good Boy draws you in with a boy-and-his-dog vibe before embarking on a weird thriller journey toward the finale. While it offers mild horror, I couldn’t help but wish it had pushed the boundaries further to make it more bizarre.

Overall, Good Boy is a captivating watch that straddles the line between the strange and the conceivable, delivering a unique experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Jessie Hobson