The Girl Next Door is a 2004 American romantic comedy film directed by Luke Greenfield and written by David Wagner, Brent Goldberg, and Stuart Blumberg. It stars Emile Hirsch, Elisha Cuthbert, Timothy Olyphant, James Remar, Chris Marquette, and Paul Dano. The story centers on Matthew Kidman, a high school senior who falls in love with his new neighbor, Danielle, only to discover that she is a former adult film actress.
Shot primarily in California, the film stars Eric Alan Edwards and features a score by Paul Haslinger. It was released on April 9, 2004, to mixed reviews—with praise for the performances but criticism for its inconsistent tone. Despite its disappointing box office performance, The Girl Next Door became a household name in the media and on television, with critics praising it for its subversive take on the genre and its portrayal of the adult entertainment industry.
Matthew Kidman, an ambitious high school senior from the Los Angeles suburbs, has been accepted to Georgetown University but cannot afford to attend. As class president, he raises $25,000 to help a Cambodian student named Samnang study in the United States, but finds his high school years largely meaningless. His two best friends, Eli and Klitz, are more focused on pranks and adult films than on studying or self-reflection.
Matthew’s routine changes when Danielle, a charming young woman, moves in next door. After a series of playful and flirtatious interactions, the two begin an affair. Their relationship improves when Matthew learns from Eli that Danielle is a former adult film actress. Acting on the misguided advice of his friends, Matthew takes Danielle to a motel and mistreats her, causing her to end the relationship and consider returning to the adult film industry.
Determined to make amends, Matthew follows Danielle to an adult film convention in Las Vegas, where he confronts her former producer and ex-boyfriend, Kelly. Despite Kelly’s threats, Matthew convinces Danielle to leave the industry. Days later, Kelly retaliates by kidnapping Matthew and forcing him to steal a film from rival producer Hugo Posh. After narrowly escaping police capture, Matthew attends a scholarship dinner while high on ecstasy and gives an impromptu speech but fails to receive the award.
Kelly escalates the conflict by posing as a school counselor and stealing $25,000. To get the money back and clear Matthew’s name, Danielle proposes producing an adult educational film featuring Matthew’s former colleagues and classmates. Eli directs the film, and Klitz unexpectedly takes on a major role. The project is a success, and Matthew and Danielle become close.
The next day, Kelly comes to Matthew’s house with a copy of the film, threatening to expose him. However, upon viewing it, Matthew’s parents and principal are surprised to discover that it is a modern sex education video. Realizing the value of the film, they support its release. Kelly, defeated, reluctantly gives in.
Matthew partners with Hugo Posh to release the film, earning enough money to pay for Samnang’s education. Eli begins a promising film career, Klitz regains his confidence, and Matthew heads to Georgetown with Danielle.
