The Perfect Neighbor
81ms
In 2025, a powerful American documentary emerges, titled "The Perfect Neighbor," directed and produced by Geeta Gandbhir. This film delves into the tragic killing of Ajike Owens, a story pieced together through the raw, unflinching lens of bodycam footage. It meticulously explores the escalating disputes that ultimately led to this devastating murder. With Soledad O'Brien serving as an executive producer, the film made its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 24th, and is slated for a limited theatrical release on October 10th, 2025, followed by its streaming debut on Netflix on October 17th, 2025.
The narrative centers on a disturbing event that unfolded on June 2nd, 2023, in Ocala, Florida. Ajike "AJ" Shantrell Owens was fatally shot by Susan Lorincz. "The Perfect Neighbor" utilizes bodycam footage of prior disputes to illuminate the circumstances leading to this fatal confrontation.
The genesis of this documentary is deeply personal. Ajike Owens was the best friend of director Geeta Gandbhir's sister-in-law. Concerned that Susan Lorincz might exploit the stand-your-ground law, Gandbhir's partner and fellow producer, Nikon Kwantu, traveled to Florida, initiating the filming process.
The film's journey to the screen began with its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 24th, 2025. It subsequently screened at South by Southwest on March 9th, 2025. By February 2025, Netflix was reportedly in advanced negotiations to acquire the film for a substantial sum, with the deal finalized in March 2025, paving the way for its streaming release later that year.
Early critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive. On Rotten Tomatoes, "The Perfect Neighbor" boasts a perfect score of 100% from 30 critics' reviews, with an average rating of 8.8 out of 10. Metacritic, employing a weighted average, has awarded the film an impressive score of 87 out of 100, based on reviews from 8 critics, signifying "universal acclaim."
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The Perfect Neighbor is a 2025 American documentary film, directed and produced by Geeta Gandbhir. It follows the killing of Ajike Owens, told through bodycam footage, exploring disputes that led to the murder. Soledad O'Brien serves as an executive producer.
It had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2025. It is scheduled to be released in a limited release on October 10, 2025, prior to streaming on Netflix on October 17, 2025.
== Premise ==
On June 2, 2023 in Ocala, Florida, Ajike "AJ" Shantrell Owens was shot and killed by Susan Lorincz. The film explores disputes leading up to the shooting by using bodycam footage of disputes.
== Production ==
Ajike Owens was the best friend of director Geeta Gandbhir's sister-in-law. Concerned Susan Lorincz would use the stand-your-ground law, Gandbhir's partner and fellow producer Nikon Kwantu went to Florida and began filming.
== Release ==
The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2025. It also screened at South by Southwest on March 9, 2025. In February 2025, Netflix was reportedly in final negotiations to acquire the film for $5 million. The deal was finalized in March 2025, with Netflix planning to release the documentary later that year.
== Reception ==
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 100% of 30 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 8.8/10. Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 87 out of 100, based on 8 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".
== References ==
== See also ==
Incident - 2023 documentary short film similar in content
June 17th, 1994 - 2010 episode of 30 for 30 also similar in content
== External links ==
The Perfect Neighbor at IMDb
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