“Good Boy”, interview with director Ben Leonberg and producer Kari Fischer

During the 23rd edition of Alice nella Città, in Rome, we spoke with Ben Leonberg, director of the opening film “Good Boy”, and with the producer of the film Kari Fischer. The two are also the owners of the absolute star of the film, the four legged-waving tail-furry star Indy. The peculiarity of the film is indeed the point of view, that blends together horror and a heartfelt storytelling in a story that is entirely told from the perspective of the dog himself, explores in an unique way the themes of loss, fear, and unconditional love.

“Good Boy” stands out as a horror movie that manages to maximize both the emotional impact and the narrative depth, also using innovative cinematography techniques and a curated sound design to authentically capture Indy’s experience, and creating at the same time a great intimacy and connection with the audience. The filmmaker used ground-level camera shots following Indie, combined with clever post-production techniques, such as shooting scenes twice to seamlessly integrate Indie’s performance into the story.

The interview

At its core, “Good Boy” revolves around the profound themes of loss and companionship. Ben Leonberg told us how the story’s focus is portraying a character that finds himself in a very dark place, seeking solace only in his dog during this time of isolation. The filmmaker emphasize how animals offer emotional support and unconditional love, often helping people confront their fears about mortality.

Producer Kari Fischer told us a bit more how they both managed to use Indy’s improvisation and random movements to blend them in the films narrative, achieving a surprising result through both creative camera work and also an improvised training that encouraged Indy to move naturally across scenes. The result is a touching and authentic portrayal of a dog’s perspective, capturing the film’s deep emotional and thematic layers.

“Good Boy” then manages to create a compelling mix of horror, emotion, and technical artistry, inviting viewers to see the world (and its darkest mysteries) differently through a dog’s loving eyes.

Plot