Netflix’s latest true-crime documentary, The Perfect Neighbor, has finally arrived — and it’s one of the most haunting releases of the year. Directed by Emmy Award-winner Geeta Gandbhir, this powerful film uses real police body-cam footage to expose a disturbing real-life story that shocked America. Mixing social commentary, grief, and justice, The Perfect Neighbor goes beyond a crime story — it’s a raw look at race, fear, and the controversial “Stand Your Ground” laws in the United States.
Synopsis of The Perfect Neighbor
At first glance, The Perfect Neighbor seems like another neighborhood dispute — but it soon turns into tragedy. Using authentic police footage, the documentary pieces together the fatal confrontation between Ajike “AJ” Owens, a Black mother of four, and her white neighbor, Susan Lorincz, in Ocala, Florida.
After years of tension and harassment, Lorincz fatally shot Owens through a closed front door in 2023, claiming self-defense under Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law. The incident reignited debates about race, bias, and gun violence across the U.S.
Through real-time police footage and witness testimonies, the film unfolds the full scope of this tragedy — from the buildup of hostility to the heartbreaking aftermath. It’s a gripping portrayal of how prejudice, fear, and systemic failures can destroy lives.
Cast of The Perfect Neighbor
As a documentary, The Perfect Neighbor does not feature actors but rather the real people involved in this true story. The film includes raw footage and interviews with:
- Police officers who responded to the scene
- Neighbors who witnessed years of escalating conflict
- Owens’ family and loved ones
- Legal experts and activists discussing racial justice and gun laws
The film is directed by Geeta Gandbhir (Katrina: Come Hell and High Water), produced by Message Pictures alongside SO’B Productions and Park Pictures, and executive-produced by Soledad O’Brien, Sam Pollard, and Rose Arce.
How Many Episodes Does The Perfect Neighbor Have?
The Perfect Neighbor is a feature-length film, not a series. With a runtime of about 96 minutes, it tells a complete and emotionally powerful story in a single sitting.
Trailer of The Perfect Neighbor
Did The Perfect Neighbor Really Happen?
Yes — every event portrayed in The Perfect Neighbor is based on a true story. The murder of Ajike Owens in 2023 shocked the nation and drew attention to how “Stand Your Ground” laws can be used to justify deadly force, often in racially charged contexts.
The film’s use of authentic police body-cam recordings gives viewers a unique, unfiltered perspective of what actually happened, turning official footage into a deeply emotional experience.
Is The Perfect Neighbor Worth Watching?
Absolutely.
The Perfect Neighbor stands out as one of Netflix’s most powerful documentaries of 2025. It’s not just a retelling of a crime — it’s a mirror held up to modern America, confronting issues of racism, privilege, and fear.
The film’s restrained style avoids sensationalism, allowing the footage to speak for itself. Viewers will find themselves reflecting long after the credits roll. For fans of true crime, social justice stories, or critically acclaimed documentaries, this one is a must-watch.
Read also: No One Saw Us Leave on Netflix: A True Story Worth Watching
Interesting Facts About The Perfect Neighbor
- The film premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, earning critical acclaim for its innovative use of police body-cam footage.
- Directed by Geeta Gandbhir, an Emmy-winning filmmaker known for Katrina: Come Hell and High Water and The Conversation.
- The story is entirely based on real events, depicting the killing of Ajike Owens by her neighbor Susan Lorincz in Florida.
- The title The Perfect Neighbor comes from how Lorincz described herself to police — a chilling irony considering her actions toward her neighbors.
- The documentary was also screened at SXSW, CPH:DOX, Full Frame, Miami Film Festival, and Sheffield DocFest.
- Produced by Message Pictures, in collaboration with SO’B Productions and Park Pictures, longtime Netflix partners in impactful storytelling.
- Geeta Gandbhir has said the film was made to honor Ajike Owens’ memory and transform grief into purpose, raising awareness about flaws in U.S. self-defense laws.
- The documentary runs 96 minutes and relies almost entirely on real police footage, immersing viewers in the emotional intensity of the case.
Where to Watch The Perfect Neighbor
The Perfect Neighbor is now available on Netflix, following its limited U.S. theatrical release on October 10, 2025. The film is streaming worldwide, including in Brazil.
Conclusion
The Perfect Neighbor is more than a documentary — it’s a sobering reflection of how fear and prejudice can twist justice. Geeta Gandbhir’s direction brings compassion and raw truth to a story that needs to be seen and discussed.
If you’re drawn to documentaries that explore real crimes, human emotion, and systemic injustice, The Perfect Neighbor is one of 2025’s most essential releases on Netflix.
I’m Milly, from Brazil — passionate about discoveries, K-dramas, series, and cinema. In this blog, I bring together my two greatest loves: exploring the world and telling great stories. I share travel experiences, entertainment recommendations, and tips that connect culture, technology, and emotion. Here, every read is a new journey.
