Films sharing characteristics with Eli Roth’s 2015 thriller, Knock Knock, typically feature themes of home invasion, psychological torment, and erotic thrillers. These narratives often involve unsuspecting protagonists whose lives are disrupted by the arrival of seemingly harmless strangers, leading to escalating tension and unforeseen consequences. Fatal Attraction (1987) and The Hand That Rocks the Cradle (1992) exemplify earlier explorations of these themes.
Exploring this subgenre offers valuable insights into societal anxieties surrounding safety, vulnerability, and the transgression of domestic boundaries. Such films can function as cautionary tales, examining the fragility of normalcy and the potential for manipulation and violence to erupt within seemingly secure environments. The enduring popularity of these narratives speaks to a persistent fascination with the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of unchecked desire.