Films

Director’s Statement:

The Boy Next Door is an adaptation of a short story by Ellen Emerson White, originally published in the 1991 young adult horror anthology "13 Tales of Horror." It’s a classic ’90s-style young adult thriller wrapped in a richly pulpy aesthetic.

I first read it at a very young age, and it left a lasting impression, as it was one of the earliest stories I encountered with a truly unexpected ending. That perfect twist, and the psychological layers beneath it, stayed with me for years.

What drew me most to this story — then and now — is the strength of its female protagonist. Dorothy doesn’t survive by fighting back physically or by threatening her attacker; she wins by using her intelligence, insight, and psychological instinct. I’ve always been fascinated by characters who weaponize wit over brute force, and Dorothy felt especially personal to me. I’ve never been physically imposing, and the idea of turning perceived vulnerability into an advantage resonated with me.

This film, meant as a proof of concept, gave me a chance to explore the dynamics of power, perception, and survival — especially how being underestimated can become someone’s greatest strength. It’s a quiet kind of resilience that I find incredibly compelling on screen.

I was fortunate to collaborate with Alexis Moreside in the role of Dorothy. Her performance is subtle, intelligent, and layered — she walks the fine line between fear and control with an authenticity that brings Dorothy to life in a powerful way. Through this adaptation, I wanted to honour the tension and intelligence of Ellen Emerson White’s original work, while creating a cinematic experience that lingers with the viewer long after the final frame.