By Irshad Khan 
Netflix’s latest true crime documentary, The Perfect Neighbor, has become a viral sensation after topping the global streaming charts upon release. Unfolding the tragic 2023 killing of Ajike “AJ” Owens in Florida, the film uses only police bodycam and CCTV footage to immerse viewers in the immediate aftermath and heated neighborhood tensions. Its raw portrayal and gripping style have led critics to hail it as one of the year’s most important releases, sparking nationwide debate and topping streaming charts in the U.S., Canada, and the UK just days after release [web:61][web:63][web:65].
Table of Contents
Documentary Premise
The Perfect Neighbor investigates the fatal shooting of Ajike “AJ” Owens, a mother of four, by her neighbor Susan Lorincz in Marion County, Florida. What began as simple complaints over children playing on private property escalated to a confrontation, ending in Owens’ tragic death on June 2, 2023. The film doesn’t rely on narration or interviews, preferring to let police camera and surveillance footage tell the unvarnished story [web:61][web:64][web:67].
Unique Storytelling Style
Directed by Geeta Gandbhir, this documentary stands out by avoiding dramatization or commentary. Editing tightly together real-time footage, the film provides audiences with an immediate, gut-level perspective that’s both unsettling and revealing. Its “show, don’t tell” technique invites viewers to interpret events and leaves lasting questions about fear, bias, and justice [web:61][web:67].
Reception & Cultural Impact
National media, social platforms, and critics have called the film “incendiary” and “unmissable.” It has ignited discussions about race, Florida’s self-defense laws, and neighborly boundaries. Some scenes have been widely shared online for their emotional intensity and the ethical dilemmas they present, marking the documentary as a touchstone for modern true crime storytelling [web:63][web:67][web:79].
Awards & Reviews
The Perfect Neighbor premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, winning Best Documentary Director. As of now, the film maintains a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 85/100 on Metacritic. Critics praise its restraint, authenticity, and ability to provoke thoughtful conversation without sensationalism [web:61][web:63].
Chart Success
Within just 24 hours of its release, The Perfect Neighbor surged to #1 on Netflix in the U.S., Canada, the UK, and reached the top 3 globally, outperforming blockbuster competition. Viewership continues to rise, with the documentary staying atop the charts over the weekend and stirring public debate far beyond the true crime fanbase [web:61][web:65][web:66].
Source: Dark Horizons, Collider, World of Reel, Elle, Netflix Tudum, The New York Times.