Good Boy

"Good Boy" is a 2020 black comedy horror movie that belongs to the Hulu's "Into the Dark" anthology series. The series is produced by Blumhouse, a production company known for innovative, unexpected, and thrilling horror flicks. Directed by Tyler MacIntyre and written by Aaron and Will Eisenberg, this delightfully original installment stands out for its ingenuity and wit.

The movie features a strong lead performance by renowned actress Judy Greer who takes on the role of Maggie, a character grappling with her own life challenges. She is a forty-something journalist at a local newspaper in Echo Park, a neighborhood in Los Angeles. An unexpected management decision leads to her job being on the line, turning her world upside down. To cope with her stress and anxiety, her close friend and therapist, Reuben, played by Steve Guttenberg, suggests she adopt a support dog.

The adoption brings a dog named Reuben into her life. Maggie forms an intimate and loyal bond with Reuben, an adorable Jack Russell Terrier. This furry little creature goes on to become much more than a form of moral support for her. The dog not only becomes the lifeline that pulls her up when she's down but also soon proves to be her ultimate protector.

While Maggie struggles with her personal and professional life, along comes Nate, her love interest, played by McKinley Freeman. Nate enters Maggie's life at the perhaps most turbulent period and becomes another character pivotal to the storyline. The movie unravels their chemistry with perfect comedic and romantic timing.

As Maggie's bond strengthens with Reuben, bizarre and mysterious events start to occur around her life. Every time Maggie gets threatened or treated unkindly, the threat mysteriously disappears. Amid the juggling of her embarking romantic relationship and her chaotic professional life, Maggie becomes embroiled in a series of unsolved events tied to her faithful companion.

If you think "Good Boy" is a typical dog movie, you would be mistaken. The film cleverly subverts expectations, twisting the idyllic trope of human-pet companionship. This dog, though cute and cuddly, has a darkness beneath that elevates the narrative to a horror-comedy. The truth about Reuben's unnatural deeds begins to unravel, leading to shocking events that mix horror and hilarity in equal parts.

"Good Boy” is a biting social satire that humorously explores the contemporary themes of job insecurity, anxiety, and dating pressures. It also sympathetically reflects the idea of emotional support animals in society, depicting the calming and therapeutic influence they can exert on their human friends during challenging times.

One of the movie's most notable achievements is its capacity to combine elements of horror and comedy. It maintains a careful balance that never lets the humor override the tense atmosphere. It is a perfect dark comedy, with horror elements that only enhance the film’s hilarious narrative.

Tyler MacIntyre has masterfully directed the movie, wrapping horror, comedy, and social commentary in a fresh narrative. The film has been praised for its strong screenplay, which makes the tale relatable and endearing. The Eisenberg brothers have crafted characters that are likable, complex, and filled with the vulnerabilities and quirks of real-life people. Besides the excellent performances of the cast, the narrative's true strength lies in its unmitigated courage to be daringly outlandish.

Overall, “Good Boy” is an eccentric mixture of quirky humor, emotional depth, and chilling terror, making it an engaging watch for anyone who appreciates the unusual and unpredictable. It will appeal to viewers who relish suspenseful horror-comedies that aren’t afraid to be bold and unusual. The story is a perfect blend of heartwarming friendship, terrifying mysteries, and chaotic life occurrences that makes the movie an adventurous ride from start to finish.