A recently released documentary on Netflix, titled “The Perfect Neighbor,” has evoked strong reactions from viewers. Directed by Geeta Gandbhir, the film utilizes various forms of footage such as bodycams, ringcams, phone videos, and 911 recordings to depict a tragic incident in the U.S. The documentary narrates the real-life events involving a white woman from Florida who fatally shot a black mother of four in 2023.
Susan Lorincz, the 60-year-old neighbor of the victim, Ajike ‘AJ’ Owens, was convicted of manslaughter with a firearm in 2024 and is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence. The documentary’s description on Netflix highlights the woman’s history of calling the police on children playing nearby, encapsulating the unfolding tragedy through the lens of police bodycam and interrogation room footage.
Geeta Gandbhir, the acclaimed filmmaker, expressed her intention to use police bodycam footage to shed light on law enforcement shortcomings rather than solely serving their protective function. She emphasized the importance of confronting and exposing such crimes to prevent them from persisting in obscurity.
Furthermore, Gandbhir posed a thought-provoking question regarding the escalation of conflicts to violence and urged viewers to reflect on the consequences of resorting to firearms in trivial disputes with neighbors. As an Emmy award-winning director, producer, and editor, Gandbhir has a notable background in the film industry, having worked on impactful documentaries apart from “The Perfect Neighbor.”
Her career trajectory includes collaborations with prominent figures like Spike Lee and projects such as the award-winning HBO documentary “If God Is Willing and da Creek Don’t Rise.” She also won an Emmy for Outstanding Short Documentary and directed the acclaimed Paramount Plus series “Born in Synanon.” Recently, she co-directed and executive produced “Katrina: Come Hell and High Water” alongside Spike Lee and Samantha Knowles, which is available for streaming on Netflix.
“The Perfect Neighbor” is currently accessible for viewing on Netflix, offering audiences a compelling and insightful exploration of the tragic events depicted in the documentary.