The original script took first place at the 2001 Slamdance Screenplay Competition.
As part of the research, director Nicole Kassell conducted interviews with sex offenders and the therapists working with them.
The movie was released in the US just nine days after the state of California put its sex offender register online. The law, called "Megan's Law" after Megan Kanka, a 7-year-old abducted and killed by a sex offender who was her neighbor. According to it, parents must be able to check whether there are any convicted sex offenders in their neighborhood.
The part of Mary Kay, played by Eve, was originally intended for a 45 year old white male. She was recommended for the part by Kevin Bacon, and was hired without a single audition.