Imagine a horror movie that's actually good for dogs. Sounds crazy, right? Well, Ben Leonberg's "Good Boy" is doing just that, and it's raking in the cash! The film is barreling towards a $5 million box office haul in its second week, already scaring up a cool $4.8 million in the U.S. But here's the twist: amidst the screams and chills, PETA has awarded the film for its exemplary treatment of its canine star. Yes, you read that right, a horror movie getting a PETA award.
PETA's press release sings praises for the film, highlighting how the on-screen horrors faced by the canine protagonist are starkly contrasted by the safe, comfortable, and happy environment provided for the real-life dog on set. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn't just about avoiding cruelty. It was about active compassion. The filmmakers, Ben Leonberg and Kari Fischer (a husband-and-wife team!), used their own beloved dog, Indy, rather than sourcing one from a potentially unethical Hollywood animal supplier.
This earned "Good Boy" the "Good Boy, Great Filmmaking Award." A truly fitting title!
Leonberg told PETA that Indy's comfort was the top priority throughout the entire production. To ensure this, only he and his wife were present on set during Indy's scenes, and they worked entirely at Indy's pace. Think about that for a second. How many movie sets do you think operate like that?
But how did they create those terrifying scenes without actually terrorizing Indy? Clever movie magic! Shots of Indy appearing "paralyzed with fear" were actually just him intently focused on a treat or tennis ball placed just off-camera. The sounds of Indy yelping in "distress"? Those were carefully isolated and treated recordings of him joyfully playing fetch. Action scenes were often filmed in reverse or utilized techniques like speed ramping, camera shake, and high shutter speeds. Even the "blood" was a dog-safe concoction made from red foods. It’s a masterclass in ethical filmmaking!
Lauren Thomasson, PETA’s Director of Animals in Film and Television, emphasized the importance of "Good Boy's" message: that companion animals see their human family as their entire world, and it's our responsibility to reciprocate that devotion. She lauded the film for setting a new standard for compassionate and ethical animal storytelling in Hollywood.
And now, let's talk about why this is such a big deal... Dogs provided by Hollywood animal suppliers often face harsh conditions. PETA's investigation of Atlanta Film Animals uncovered shocking instances of neglect, including a blind and deaf 13-year-old dog with heart failure being kept in an unheated garage in near-freezing temperatures. Other dogs were left exposed to the elements in cold, barren kennels. By using their own dog, the filmmakers completely bypassed this potentially exploitative system.
The film's official synopsis reads: "A loyal dog moves to a rural family home with his owner Todd, only to discover supernatural forces lurking in the shadows. As dark entities threaten his human companion, the brave pup must fight to protect the one he loves most."
Now, this is where it gets controversial... Some might argue that using animals in any horror film, even with precautions, is inherently problematic. Is it truly possible to depict fear and danger without causing some level of stress to the animal, even if unintentional? Could the film inadvertently normalize the idea of putting animals in frightening situations for entertainment? This is a complex issue with no easy answers.
"Good Boy" is currently playing exclusively in theaters.
What do you think? Does "Good Boy" deserve the PETA award, or is there a line that shouldn't be crossed, regardless of the precautions taken? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
