When you think of a dog horror movie, images of werewolves or rabid creatures may come to mind. But the Good Boy movie (2024) turns this expectation upside down. What starts as a seemingly harmless dating story spirals into a deeply unsettling psychological thriller that questions obedience, identity, and control.
This Good Boy film isn’t just another horror flick; it’s a chilling commentary wrapped in an eerie, minimalist package. If you’re browsing streaming platforms looking for your next twisted tale, this one deserves your attention.
Quick Facts About the Good Boy Movie
| Category | Details |
| Title | Good Boy (2024) |
| Director | Viljar Bøe |
| Country | Norway |
| Language | Norwegian (English Subtitles) |
| Genre | Psychological Thriller, Horror Comedy |
| Runtime | 76 minutes |
| Release Date | September 8, 2023 (US via Shudder) |
| Availability | Watch Good Boy movie on Shudder |
What Is the Good Boy Plot About? (Spoiler-Free Synopsis)
The Good Boy plot centers on Sigrid, a young woman navigating the world of online dating. She meets Christian, a wealthy and seemingly kind man. But there’s a twist: he lives with someone who dresses and behaves like a dog—literally.
At first, Sigrid tries to accept this unusual lifestyle. However, things quickly spiral into the uncanny as Christian’s true nature starts to reveal itself. The storyline explores deeply uncomfortable dynamics, with layers of manipulation, fetishism, and control lurking beneath every scene.
This is where the Good Boy film excels: making the absurd feel disturbingly real.
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Cast and Characters: Who’s in the Good Boy Movie?
The cast may be small, but their performances pack a punch. Here’s a look at the characters and the cast performance that brings this disturbing tale to life:
| Actor | Character | Notable Info |
| Katrine Lovise Øpstad Fredriksen | Sigrid | Lead role; delivers a grounded and raw performance |
| Gard Løkke | Christian | Lead actor in Good Boy; eerily charming and sinister |
| Amalie Willoch Njaastad | Supporting Role | Adds emotional nuance and contrast |
Katrine Fredriksen anchors the film emotionally, while Gard Løkke masterfully walks the line between charismatic and terrifying.
Behind the Camera: Director and Production Details
Viljar Bøe wears many hats in the Good Boy movie — not only did he direct it, but he also wrote, edited, and handled cinematography. This gives the film a sharp, focused style that rarely feels muddled.
Produced by Snurr Films, the movie was made with a modest budget but uses its limitations creatively. Minimal locations and tight shots amplify the feeling of being trapped.
“I wanted to create a horror film that doesn’t rely on monsters but on human discomfort,” says Bøe in an interview with IndieFilmTalk.
The cinematography is stark yet intimate. Long silences and static shots create a growing sense of dread. There’s a clever use of lighting and shadows to suggest far more than what’s shown.
Where to Watch the Good Boy Movie
Want to watch Good Boy movie now? Here are your options:
Streaming Platforms
- Shudder: US streaming rights
- Viaplay: Available in Norway
- Amazon Prime Video: Possibly available for rental in some regions
Runtime
- The film is relatively short at 76 minutes, but don’t let that fool you—every minute counts.
Themes and Genre Analysis: More Than a Dog Horror Movie
Though often labeled a horror comedy, Good Boy leans more toward psychological thriller with moments of absurdist horror.
Major Themes:
- Control and Submission: The relationship between Christian and his “dog” examines extremes of obedience.
- Social Norms vs. Reality: How far are we willing to go to accept someone’s quirks?
- Isolation: The characters exist in a vacuum of emotional detachment and denial.
It draws thematic comparisons to films like The Lobster and Speak No Evil, each exploring twisted human relationships under the guise of civility.
Why Is Good Boy So Unsettling?
The narrative operates in a gray space where nothing is overtly horrifying, yet everything feels off. Instead of jump scares, it relies on dread and unease.
What Makes It Work:
- Minimalist Settings: Few locations increase the feeling of entrapment.
- Deadpan Dialogue: Understated delivery adds to the eeriness.
- Symbolism: The dog costume isn’t just a gimmick; it’s a symbol of submission, denial, and psychological rot.
This is a film that creeps up on you, leaving you disturbed long after the credits roll.
Audience Reactions and Critical Reception
The critical reception has been a mix of curiosity and acclaim, especially among fans of indie horror.
Review Highlights:
- Rotten Tomatoes: 80% critic score (as of August 2025)
- Letterboxd: 3.2/5
- Shudder User Ratings: Averaging 4 stars out of 5
Quotes:
“A lean and quietly disturbing watch that gets under your skin.” — Bloody Disgusting
“Not everyone will get it, but those who do won’t forget it.” — IndieWire
How Does Good Boy Compare to Similar Movies?
If you’re looking for a movie similar to Good Boy, here are a few recommendations:
| Movie Title | Similarity |
| The Lobster | Social satire with unsettling romantic elements |
| Speak No Evil | Awkward social horror in a domestic setting |
| The House That Jack Built | Psychological dissection of abnormal behavior |
| Men | Surrealism and gender dynamics |
These aren’t suspenseful dog movies per se, but they play in the same psychological sandbox.
Is Good Boy Based on a True Story?
No, the Good Boy film is entirely fictional. However, the psychological themes are grounded in real behavior.
It loosely draws inspiration from puppy play — a fetish subculture where individuals take on dog-like roles. The film takes this to disturbing extremes, twisting a real-world concept into something nightmarish.
Good Boy Ending Explained (Spoilers Ahead)
Warning: Spoilers below
In the final scenes, Sigrid discovers that Christian has manipulated multiple partners using the same bizarre dynamic. The “dog” turns out to be more victim than participant.
The Good Boy ending explained shows how people can normalize even the most twisted relationships when emotions and appearances cloud judgment. It’s not about horror in the traditional sense; it’s about how horror hides in plain sight.
Content Warnings and Film Rating for Good Boy
Wondering whether this is suitable for teens or sensitive viewers? Let’s break it down.
| Category | Details |
| Language | Sparse, but includes strong language |
| Violence | Psychological and implied |
| Sexual Content | Implied fetishism, no nudity |
| Disturbing Themes | High — obedience, manipulation, control |
| Age Rating | Not Rated officially (Recommended 17+) |
Parents should proceed with caution. This is not for young audiences, despite its short runtime.
Final Thoughts: Should You Watch Good Boy Movie?
If you enjoy psychological thrillers that disturb rather than disgust, the Good Boy movie delivers. It’s short, sharp, and deeply strange.
You should watch Good Boy movie if:
- You love unsettling, dialogue-driven horror.
- You appreciate minimalism and indie filmmaking.
- You want something truly different from mainstream horror.
But skip it if:
- You’re expecting gore or high-action horror.
- You dislike ambiguous endings or uncomfortable topics.
Final Verdict:
| Category | Rating (1-10) |
| Storyline | 8.5 |
| Acting | 8 |
| Cinematography | 7.5 |
| Originality | 9 |
| Rewatchability | 6.5 |
Overall Score: 8.1/10
This may just be one of the most underrated 2025 thriller movies that horror fans will keep discussing for years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Good Boy a foreign film?
Yes, it’s a Norwegian film with English subtitles.
Where can I watch Good Boy movie?
It’s streaming exclusively on Shudder.
Is the dog in Good Boy real?
No, it’s a man voluntarily acting as a dog.
Is this part of a series?
No, it’s a standalone film with no sequel planned.
What makes it so disturbing?
The blend of normality and absurdity. It feels just real enough to be terrifying.
Want more unsettling stories like Good Boy? Stick with us for the best breakdowns in horror and thriller cinema.
Tina Grey is an experienced blogger with a passion for uncovering the best in film. With years of writing and a keen eye for detail, Tina brings insightful reviews and engaging content to Parentzia. Her deep love for movies, combined with her expertise, helps readers discover must-watch films across genres. When she’s not reviewing, Tina enjoys exploring new cinematic trends and sharing her love of film with her audience.
