Review of The People Next Door (1970) by Nicki M — 03 May 2014

Lame. And I think the confrontation scene at the beginning of the movie never actually happens at the end? (Unless I got so brain dead I nodded off!).

This is either a lifetime movie, or just plays like one. The story and message are familiar. A single mum moves away from a bad relationship with her three school aged daughters and starts over. We know she's made some bad choices as her own mother seems to be reasonably well off for money and disapproving of her life. The bad choices aren't delved into too deeply, but I would take a stab at inappropriate men and maybe alcohol. Any rate, she's pulled herself together, and moved to a grotty house with the kids in rags.

Early on she meets her neighbours. A too good to be true couple who can't have children and take a liking to hers.

Initially it is all great. The couple spoil the girls and babysit so she can work, then slowly things start to get out of hand ending in the abduction of the two youngest girls (the older one resists).

I actually don't mind the odd lifetime movie. Usually the thrillers are so bad they are a laugh. This one is just bad. Fails to convince, washed out to look at, predictable characters. Even the acting is noting great.