Netflix’s latest true-crime sensation, The Perfect Neighbor, has quickly broken into the Netflix USA Top 10, gripping viewers with its chilling portrait of trust turned deadly. The documentary unravels the story of a seemingly ordinary suburban friendship that spirals into deception, obsession, and murder — proving that danger often hides in plain sight. Blending investigative detail with emotional testimony, it’s a haunting look at how evil can wear the most familiar face.
A quiet neighborhood in Ocala, Florida, became the stage for a shocking tragedy that would shake a community and ignite a nationwide conversation on race, justice, and self-defense laws. Netflix’s The Perfect Neighbor unflinchingly examines the fatal shooting of Ajike “AJ” Owens, a 35-year-old mother of four, by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz, on June 2, 2023.
Directed by Geeta Gandbhir, the documentary plunges viewers into the tense, escalating conflict through raw police bodycam footage and firsthand accounts, revealing how a seemingly ordinary dispute spiraled into deadly violence. Here is everything you need to know about The Perfect Neighbor—from the plot and cast to reviews and release date. The trailer is at the bottom of the article.
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The Perfect Neighbor – all the key details
- Title: The Perfect Neighbor
- Format: Documentary
- Runtime: 97 minutes
- Genre: True Crime
- Country of production: United States
- Original language: English
- Release date: October 17, 2025
- Director: Geeta Gandbhir
- Produced by: Message Pictures, Park Pictures, SO’B Productions
What The Perfect Neighbor is about
The Perfect Neighbor explores the tragic shooting of Ajike Owens by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz, in Ocala, Florida. Through a combination of raw police bodycam footage, 911 calls, and surveillance videos, the documentary presents an unflinching look at the escalating tensions between Owens and Lorincz over a two-year period. What began as disputes over children playing near Lorincz’s property eventually erupted into a fatal confrontation, culminating in Owens being shot through her front door. Beyond recounting the events themselves, the film also examines the wider implications of Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” laws and their impact on both community safety and justice.
The Perfect Neighbor cast: the main characters
The documentary features the real people involved in the events, each sharing their firsthand perspective. At the center is Ajike Owens, the victim, a devoted mother of four. Her neighbor, Susan Lorincz, who shot Owens, also appears on camera. Meanwhile, Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias, talks about her efforts to seek justice. Neighbors like Franklin Baez-Colon recount what they saw during the escalating conflict. Ocala Police Chief Michael Balken explains the investigation, while local reporter Troy Campbell provides context from his coverage. Together, these voices bring authenticity and immediacy to the story, helping viewers understand both the human and legal dimensions of the tragedy.
Is The Perfect Neighbor based on a true story?
Yes, The Perfect Neighbor is based on the real-life events surrounding the death of Ajike Owens. The documentary utilizes actual police bodycam footage and other real-time recordings to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the fatal shooting. The film aims to shed light on the systemic issues related to self-defense laws and community safety.
The Reviews
Critics have lauded The Perfect Neighbor for its unflinching portrayal of a tragic incident and its broader societal implications. The film holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its raw and immersive storytelling approach. The documentary’s reliance on real footage, without narration or reenactments, has been highlighted as a strength, providing an authentic and compelling narrative. Reviewers have noted the film’s effectiveness in sparking discussions about racial injustice and the consequences of “Stand Your Ground” laws.
Filming Locations
The documentary was filmed in Ocala, Florida, where the tragic events took place. The use of local footage adds authenticity to the narrative, immersing viewers in the community where the conflict unfolded.
Release Date on streaming
The Perfect Neighbor is available on Netflix starting October 17, 2025.
