The Perfect Neighbor (2025)
Using raw police bodycam and archive footage, this documentary reconstructs the tragic real-life conflict between neighbors in Florida. It meticulously tracks years of escalating tension between a white resident and her Black neighbor, culminating in a fatal shooting. The project is an intense examination of Stand Your Ground laws and the societal structures that permitted this devastation.
Length: 1h38m
Genre: Documentary, Crime, Thriller
This Title is: Investigative, Gripping, Timely
Cast
Susan Lorincz, Ajike Owens, Pamela Dias, Geeta Gandbhir, Soledad O’Brien
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: R – Disturbing content, strong language, and discussion of a fatal shooting.
FAQ
- Is The Perfect Neighbor (2025) Based on a True Story?: Yes, the documentary centers on the fatal 2023 shooting of Ajike Owens by Susan Lorincz in Ocala, Florida, examining the true-life events leading to the tragedy.
- Where was The Perfect Neighbor (2025) filmed?: The primary events took place and were documented in Ocala, Marion County, Florida.
- Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: Laura Heinzinger
Filmmaker Profile
Director Geeta Gandbhir, known for powerful social justice works like *I Am Evidence*, brings her unflinching focus to this case. Her signature style relies heavily on raw, unvarnished primary sources, providing an impactful and unbiased look at critical American issues.
Why It’s Worth Watching
This project offers an unprecedented, real-time look into a devastating community breakdown. The exclusive use of police footage and security recordings creates an immediate, visceral experience that bypasses traditional storytelling. Its urgent, effective exploration of legal and racial injustice makes it essential viewing for anyone seeking crucial societal context.
Main Character Deep Dive
The story is anchored by the tragic arc of Ajike Owens, whose life and struggle for her children’s safety resonate deeply. We witness the emotional turmoil of her family and the community grappling with the aftermath. The production succeeds by humanizing the victim, ensuring her memory is honored beyond the shocking headlines of the crime itself.
Unforgettable Quote
“I’m having a problem with my neighbours’ children.”
Trivia
- The documentary premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it was honored with the Directing Award.
- Netflix acquired the distribution rights in a deal reported to be worth $5 million after its Sundance premiere.
- The director, Geeta Gandbhir, had a personal connection to the case as the victim, Ajike Owens, was the best friend of her sister-in-law.
Trailer
Stream The Perfect Neighbor (2025) on:
Our Review
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I found this document of a neighborhood conflict to be exceptionally powerful and moving. The production is a masterclass in source material assembly, relying almost entirely on authentic recordings—police reports, body cameras, and other surveillance—to present the facts. I was struck by the raw honesty of the situation, which places the viewer right inside the escalating tension. The director’s approach is respectful yet unflinching, allowing the sheer weight of the circumstances to carry the emotional load. The subjects, seen through archival footage, deliver unforgettable representations of genuine human struggle and frustration. What stood out most to me was the focused look at how systemic issues can turn minor squabbles into true, life-altering catastrophes. It is a necessary and expertly crafted piece of work that I absolutely recommend watching.
Who Should Watch This?
Stream it if you want a powerful, non-traditional true crime work that is built from raw source material and provides urgent insight into critical social issues.
