The Boy Next Door (2015)

"The Boy Next Door" (2015), directed by Rob Cohen, is a thriller that explores the dangerous allure of forbidden desire. A recently cheated-on married woman, Claire, finds herself unexpectedly drawn to Noah, the charmingly handsome young man who moves in next door. Their burgeoning affair, initially fueled by passion and a desire for escape, quickly spirals into a terrifying obsession. As their secret relationship intensifies, Claire discovers that Noah's seemingly innocent facade masks a sinister and possessive nature, leading to a series of increasingly perilous events. While not necessarily lauded as one of Cohen's *best* films critically, "The Boy Next Door" firmly sits within the context of his filmography as a prime example of his penchant for high-octane thrillers with strong female leads navigating morally ambiguous situations. Similar to his earlier work showcasing powerful female protagonists facing intense circumstances, like "The Fast and the Furious," "The Boy Next Door" delivers suspenseful pacing and explores themes of revenge and manipulation, showcasing Cohen's directorial style of building tension and crafting visually compelling narratives. Its inclusion on a "Best Rob Cohen Movies" list might be a matter of subjective appreciation for his more commercially successful and less critically acclaimed works, emphasizing his mastery of genre filmmaking.