High school student Charley Brewster is a horror aficionado who relishes tales of the supernatural. When a new neighbor, Jerry Dandridge, moves in next door under the veil of night, Charley’s curiosity is piqued, particularly after witnessing strange events. Charley's fascination turns to horror when he becomes convinced that Jerry is a vampire preying on the community. After noticing a TV news report about a string of inexplicable murders in the area, the distinct possibility dawns on him: his neighbor may be responsible for the crimes. With his suspicions dismissed as wild fantasy by his mother and girlfriend, Amy, Charley finds himself increasingly isolated in his fear.

Desperate for help, Charley seeks out Peter Vincent, an aging actor famous for portraying a vampire hunter in a series of films. Initially skeptical and dismissive, Peter is drawn into Charley’s plight after certain compelling events force him to reconsider. Forming an unlikely alliance, the two set out to expose and confront the danger next door, all while Charley's relationships with those he cares about become strained. The situation escalates as Charley and Peter uncover more about their enigmatic adversary, and the suburban streets that were once familiar to Charley turn into a battleground between the natural and the supernatural.