The Perfect Neighbor Netflix Review: A Heartbreaking True Story You Can’t Look Away From
Netflix’s latest documentary, The Perfect Neighbor, throws you right into a shocking real-life tragedy that shook Ocala, Florida. On June 2, 2023, Ajike “AJ” Shantrell Owens, a loving mother of four, was shot by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz, in what started as a neighborhood dispute and escalated into something deadly.
What makes this documentary stand out is the way it tells the story. Director Geeta Gandbhir avoids traditional narration and instead uses unfiltered police bodycam footage, 911 calls, and security videos to show the events exactly as they happened. It’s intense, unsettling, and impossible to look away from.
What Happens in The Perfect Neighbor?
The Perfect Neighbor follows the growing tension between Owens and Lorincz, which began long before the tragic incident. Lorincz, a white woman, repeatedly complained about neighborhood kids, many of them Black, playing outside. From yelling at them to threatening with guns, her behavior escalated over two years despite police involvement.
On June 2, 2023, an argument with Owens’ sons led to Lorincz shooting AJ Owens through a locked door. The documentary presents these events in real time using raw footage, forcing viewers to confront the tragedy as it happened without filters.
Unlike many documentaries, there’s minimal editing or narration. Instead, you watch events unfold, sometimes painfully, giving a true sense of the fear, frustration, and heartbreak experienced by the family and community.
Behind the Cameras: Filmmaker Insights
Geeta Gandbhir, Emmy-winning director, leads the project, supported by Nikon Kwantu, a veteran multimedia producer, and Alisa Payne, known for Stamped from the Beginning.
Together, they crafted a documentary that is gripping yet respectful. By focusing on unedited evidence, they show not just the tragic act, but the systemic issues behind it, like racial prejudice, “Stand Your Ground” laws, and how law enforcement sometimes fails to protect vulnerable communities.
Why Critics Are Talking About It
Since its release in October 2025, The Perfect Neighbor has gotten strong critical attention. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and won accolades for its directing.
Reviewers praise the film for showing the truth without dramatization. Critics also point out the uncomfortable ethical questions of showing real-life tragedy on screen, especially involving children, but most agree the documentary sparks important conversations.
Check out more coverage at Salon.
Pros and Cons of Watching
Pros:
- Raw and Honest: Footage presents events as they actually happened.
- Emotionally Powerful: Evokes deep empathy for the victims and community.
- Raises Awareness: Highlights racial issues and legal controversies.
Cons:
- Distressing Footage: May be too intense for some viewers.
- Limited Personal Interviews: Leaves some questions unanswered.
Comparisons: Similar Documentaries
If you liked The Perfect Neighbor, you may want to check these:
- 13th (Netflix): Explores systemic racism in the US criminal justice system.
- When They See Us (Netflix): Dramatic retelling of the Central Park Five case.
- Making a Murderer (Netflix): Follows criminal justice controversies with intense real footage.
FAQs About The Perfect Neighbor
1. Where can I watch The Perfect Neighbor?
It’s streaming exclusively on Netflix.
2. Is this documentary suitable for everyone?
Due to graphic content, it’s recommended for mature audiences.
3. Who are the main figures in the film?
Ajike Owens and Susan Lorincz are central, alongside police and neighbors.
4. What’s the main takeaway from the documentary?
It’s a chilling look at racial prejudice, neighborhood disputes, and legal loopholes, urging viewers not to look away from injustice.
5. How long is the documentary?
It runs approximately 97 minutes, delivering an intense, uninterrupted experience.
