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"The Girl Next Door" (2004) Plot Summary

"The Girl Next Door" is a teen comedy-drama that follows Matthew Kidman, a shy, academically brilliant high school senior who dreams of attending Georgetown University. His life takes an unexpected turn when a beautiful and enigmatic young woman named Danielle moves in next door.

Initially, Matthew is completely smitten, and the two quickly develop a passionate relationship. Danielle seems perfect – she's smart, adventurous, and unlike anyone Matthew has ever met. Their romance blossoms, and Matthew starts to believe he's found true love.

However, Matthew's world is rocked when he discovers Danielle's secret: she is a former pornographic film actress for a company called "Exotic Expose." This revelation throws Matthew into a moral and emotional crisis. His best friends, Eli and Klitz, are initially excited and then comically exploitative of the situation, urging Matthew to embrace Danielle's past for their own benefit, while also trying to navigate the complexities of their own burgeoning sex lives.

The film then takes a more dramatic turn as Matthew struggles to reconcile his feelings for Danielle with his preconceived notions about her profession. His desire for a "normal" future at Georgetown clashes with his deep emotional connection to Danielle. The situation becomes even more complicated when Danielle's former producer, Kelly, a dangerous and manipulative individual, re-enters her life, attempting to force her back into the adult film industry.

Matthew, along with his friends, devises increasingly elaborate and often hilarious schemes to protect Danielle from Kelly and help her escape her past. These schemes lead to a series of misadventures, including a disastrous attempt to steal incriminating tapes from Kelly's mansion during a high school dance.

Ultimately, Matthew realizes that his love for Danielle transcends her past. He confronts his own biases and insecurities, learning to accept Danielle for who she is. The climax involves a final confrontation with Kelly and the resolution of Danielle's entanglement with "Exotic Expose."

The film concludes with Matthew making a significant decision about his future and his relationship with Danielle, demonstrating his growth from an innocent, naive teenager to a young man who understands the complexities of love and acceptance.