It’s a relatively safe bet to say that you’ve never seen a movie like Ben Leonberg’s “Good Boy” (IFC/Shudder). Not just because of what writer/director Leonberg manages to incorporate into the daring horror flick’s 73-minute runtime. Not just because Leonberg makes his singular mark while also recalling David Lynch and Jane Schoenbrun. Not just because Leonberg succeeds in telling a horror story from a dog’s perspective without utilizing CGI.

“Good Boy” takes 21st-century horror in new and unexpected directions. Todd (Shane Jensen) is a young man with a terminal illness. He is constantly coughing, and on occasion, coughs up and even vomits blood. We learn that, following a CT scan, Todd has been rejected from a clinical trial because he is at too late a stage in his illness.

Todd’s one and only source of joy is his gorgeous and intelligent dog Indy (portrayed by Leonberg’s dog of the same name), a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, the titular “good boy.” Todd’s sister Vera, (Arielle Friedman), is the opposite of Indy. Her constant texts and phone calls checking in on Todd, while well-intentioned, are bothersome to her brother.

To get away from it all, Todd and Indy head to the boonies, where Todd and Vera’s grandfather had a house. Rumored to be haunted (it’s where the grandfather and his dog died), Todd believes it’s the best place for him to be. Indy would probably disagree as the old house, with its faulty electricity, creaky floors, scary cellar, and other frightful elements keeps the dog on its toes. Strange smells and bizarre noises coming from practically every corner and level of the house.

There are additional threats outside the house. A camouflage-covered neighbor reminds Todd that it’s fox hunting season, and it would be best to keep Indy close by him for the dog’s safety. Additionally, the weather is uncooperative and unleashes a powerful rainstorm.

But that’s nothing compared to the visions Indy is having. Shadowy figures appear and disappear from the dog’s keen eyesight, and we can see them, too. The various strange odors mean that Indy’s nose is seldom at rest. Todd’s failing health is also a primary concern for the devoted dog.

So, is it a ghost haunting the house, or is it death itself coming for Todd? Indy doesn’t know, and ultimately neither do we. But that doesn’t mean that we don’t share in the dog’s fear.

Canine movie (and TV) star Lassie never won an Oscar. But the collie did receive a PATSY (Picture Animal Top Star of the Year) Award. Perhaps the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will make an exception for Indy and reward “Good Boy” star with a well-deserved trophy or a gold-plated bone. 

Rating: A-