The Perfect Neighbor is one true crime documentary you’re going to want to see, even if you’re not usually a true crime fan. The film, directed by Geeta Gandbhir, premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2025, where it won the Directing Award: U.S. Documentary. Unusually for a true crime documentary, The Perfect Neighbor is already generating Oscar buzz, so you’re probably going to want to know why.
Here is everything we know about The Perfect Neighbor so far.
What is the real story behind The Perfect Neighbor?
The film tells the story of Ajike Owens, a Black woman who was killed by her white neighbor, Susan Lorincz, in Ocala, Florida. As shown in the documentary, Lorincz had routinely called the police on the Black neighborhood children, seemingly for no reason. According to CNN, Lorincz later admitted to hurling racial slurs at the children. Eventually, Owens tried to confront Lorincz, per CNN. Lorincz became frightened and fatally shot Owens through her own locked door.
Per NPR, Lorincz argued she had killed Owens in self-defense, citing at her trial Florida’s “stand your ground” laws.
“The Perfect Neighbor is a deeply personal project, created to transform grief into purpose and honor the lasting legacy of Ajike Owens and her family,” said Gandbhir in a statement.
Where is Susan Lorincz now?
In August 2024, per The New York Times, a jury convicted Lorincz of manslaughter after deliberating for only two hours. In November, according to ABC, she was sentenced to 25 years in prison. A local news station interviewed Lorincz from prison in September, and Lorincz seemed unapologetic, denying that she’s capable of manslaughter.
Who will be featured in the documentary?
Rather than relying on witness and expert interviews, The Perfect Neighbor is told through police body-cam footage and recorded audio from 911 calls, which allow the circumstances to speak for themselves.
Is there a Perfect Neighbor trailer?
The trailer for The Perfect Neighbor dropped on September 23.
