Watch The Girl Next Door

The Girl Next Door is a 1998 movie that tells the story of a young girl named Annie Nolan (played by Heather McComb) who moves in next door to the affluent and well-respected Collins family, consisting of parents David (Tom Irwin) and Clair (Sharon Gless) and their daughter Amy (Tracey Gold). Amy, who is around the same age as Annie, soon befriends her new neighbor and the two quickly become close friends.

Annie soon reveals a dark secret to Amy - her father has been physically and emotionally abusing her for years, and she has been too scared to tell anyone. Amy, shocked and horrified by the revelation, immediately tells her mother, who is a lawyer and decides to take on the case pro bono. However, David Collins, who is a respected doctor in the community, vehemently denies the accusations and launches a slander campaign against Annie.

The movie is a commentary on the legal system and how power, money, and influence can sometimes work against justice. The Collins family, with their wealth and status, are able to manipulate the legal system to their advantage and paint Annie as a liar and a troublemaker. Meanwhile, Annie struggles to come to terms with the abuse she has suffered and the trauma it has caused her.

Tracey Gold delivers a strong performance as Amy, a character torn between her loyalty to her friend and her conflicting feelings towards her parents, who she realizes may not be the upstanding citizens she once thought they were. Tom Irwin and Sharon Gless also shine as David and Clair Collins, a couple with a dark past and secrets they will stop at nothing to protect.

The movie is not without its flaws, however. Some of the dialogue can be clunky and the pacing can drag at times. Additionally, the movie was made for TV and has a somewhat low-budget feel, with some scenes feeling a bit too stagey and artificial.

Overall, The Girl Next Door is a gripping and thought-provoking drama that explores important issues such as child abuse, power dynamics, and the flaws in the legal system. While it may not be a perfect movie, it is definitely worth watching for the strong performances and important subject matter.

The Girl Next Door is a 1998 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.1.