The Girl Next Door (2007)

I found this film in a list of best torture films. I love saw and hostel and was hoping for this kind of thing. It's a slow burner at first, it sets the scene for over half an hour and I began thinking am I watching the right film? But when it starts it REALLY starts. I could say a lot about this film, like how the main guy could have done a lot more to help the situation. But I won't say much because I want you to watch it knowing and expecting nothing like I did. What I will say though, is I actually cried at this film. And I don't think I've ever done that in a horror film before. Enjoy!

I'd read that The Girl Next Door was harsh viewing, and was fully expecting a film that delivered a barrage of explicit on-screen violence. What I got wasn't nearly as graphic as I had imagined, but thanks to its 'based on a true story' subject matter and impeccable performances all round, the film proved to be as soul-crushing, demoralising, utterly nasty, and incredibly sad as can be.Blythe Auffarth plays teenager Meg Loughlin, survivor of a terrible car crash that claimed the lives of her parents and which left her younger sister Susan (Madeline Taylor) seriously disabled. When the sisters are sent to live with their cousins in the country, they are subjected to mental and physical torture at the hands of their bitter and twisted Aunt Ruth (a thoroughly chilling performance from Blanche Baker), who encourages her sons and their friends to join in with the abuse. David (Daniel Manche), the boy next door who has befriended the older sister, is appalled by what he witnesses, but is unable to prevent poor Meg from being beaten, branded, raped and mutilated.A totally harrowing experience designed to leave you feeling numb inside, this is far from what could be described as an enjoyable film, but as a study of just how corrupt and evil people can be to a fellow human being, there are few that are more effective. Kudos to all involved in making such a powerful ode to the sickness inherent in mankind.

I hadn't heard of 'The Girl Next Door' until a few months ago, but i feel a bit misled, both by it's cover and by some of the reviews I've read. 'The Girl Next Door' is not a horror movie, but instead, a drama that includes some very sadistic moments of torture-porn.The movie, which is based on a Jack Ketchum novel, which is based on a real life case that took place in the 60's, tells the story of the horrible abuse suffered by a young girl at the hand of her aunt and her cousins, who lock her up in the basement where they physically and sexually abuse her. It's also a story of one of the boys who befriended the girl, but is unable to stop her abuse, and how that regret stick with him.I imagine that this is the kind of movie that people feel strongly about, regardless of whether they like it or hate it. My issue with the movie was that it just seemed kind of pointless and exploitative, under a veneer of integrity that doesn't actually lack. I agree that stories like these have to be told, but The Girl Next Door lacked taste IMO, which might seem odd coming from someone who thinks 'Martyrs' is one of the greatest modern horror films in the past decade. IDK, that's just me though.

This movie, which is set in late 1950s' sunny America, is the story of a man who recalls events from his past and the experiences endured by his neighbouring friend. As I had no previous knowledge regarding this title, it looked all set to be similar to Stephen Kings 'Stand By Me' - boy was I wrong! NEVER judge a book by its cover! How horrific could it be? Shockingly so! If you are easily traumatised, seriously - do not watch this movie! The more I viewed, the more evil I witnessed. The cinematography is unlike typical horror movies; it's bright, colourful & nostalgic - and it is this style of storytelling that instills a false sense of security and safety. This is definitely not comfortable viewing. I gave this title an 8/10 for style, performance & aesthetic appeal. It is one of those movies you will never forget.