The Girl Next Door

Matthew Kidman is an overachieving high school senior who plans his life around a spotless resume and a future in politics. When Danielle, a charismatic 19-year-old neighbor, moves in, Matthew's carefully ordered world starts to wobble as he falls for her warmth and unpredictability. His friends cheer him on while he keeps a polished public image, but everything shifts when he discovers Danielle once worked in the adult film industry. That revelation forces Matthew to rethink reputation, relationships and what he really wants, as gossip and judgment ripple through their circle and they all cope with the messy business of growing up and learning hard lessons along the way.

Released in 2004, the movie was directed by Luke Greenfield from a script by David Wagner, Stuart Blumberg and Brent Goldberg, and it mixed R-rated humor with sincere romance.

While not a blockbuster, the film found an audience with teens and young adults, performing respectably in theaters and later growing its following through home video and streaming. It later became a rental and cable staple, broadening its reach there.

Its blend of raunchy set pieces and earnest romantic plotting made the movie a reference point for early 2000s R-rated teen comedies, and it helped raise Elisha Cuthbert's profile as a leading actress in that era. It influenced R-rated teen comedies and remains a touchstone in 2000s youth film discussions.

Critics were mixed to positive, with a 6.7/10 average, praising chemistry between Emile Hirsch and Elisha Cuthbert while noting tonal shifts; the film addresses ambition, reputation and adolescent sexuality with humor and complication. Supporting turns by Paul Dano and Christopher Rodriguez Marquette drew attention and generated notice among younger viewers.