Into the Dark: Good Boy (2020)

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Hulu's anthology horror series Into the Dark seems to be on the roll (at last). Its June episode "Good Boy" is another winner. June's entry is supposed to be based on something called Pet Appreciation Week that is celebrated in June which is sort of used to justify for the canine theme this time. As the title suggests Good Boy is about a pet dog (named Reuben) who was adopted from a shelter by Maggie as a sort of emotional support pet dog as she struggles with the her age, failed dating scenes, and job insecurity. Naturally Reuben is no ordinary dog despite his adorable and sweet appearance. Some gruesome deaths soon begin to happen to people who have not been that nice to Maggie. 

This episode is well paced and acted by its predominantly unknown cast (with the exception of former Hollywood heart throb, an unrecognizable Steve Guttenberg in a supporting role as a unfeeling boss). It is also presented with light humor to soften the horror so you won't be too scared to sleep or forced to watch with fingers covering your eyes. This may or may not be good news to viewers of course. Since Into the Dark is supposed to be a horror series one would expect to be horrified rather than tickled to death. Nevertheless I found a good balance of horror and humor in Good Boy making the episode an entertaining one even though the fate of the victims can sort of be predicted.

Good Boy has a lot going for it. It has elements of a romantic comedy, a mystery killer on the loose plot, and a treat for dog lovers (who can resist loving the super cute Reuben). Its light hearted and inoffensive entertainment delivered below 90 minutes which makes this better than a lot of other recent movies I have seen!