Netflix viewers have been moved to tears by a ‘harrowing’ new documentary that has achieved a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Known for its compelling true crime offerings, Netflix has released documentaries ranging from multi-part series like Amy Bradley is Missing to feature-length films such as The High School Catfish.
The latest in their lineup is directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir, and it has quickly climbed the charts on the platform.
Released on October 17, the documentary is currently the second most-watched film worldwide on Netflix and holds the top spot in the US.
This 97-minute film has been lauded as one of ‘the best and most important films of the year’.
It uses bodycam footage, 911 calls, and police interviews to recount the tragic killing of 35-year-old Ajike ‘AJ’ Owens in Ocala, Florida.
AJ Owens, a mother of four, was fatally shot by her neighbor Susan Lorincz while standing outside the locked front door of Lorincz’s home in June 2023.
She was hit in the chest by a single bullet as her young son stood nearby. AJ was taken to the hospital where she was later pronounced dead.
The tension between the neighbors had been escalating for almost two years, with Lorincz often complaining about Owens’ children playing outside.
Lorincz also hurled racial slurs at AJ’s young children.
The documentary delves into issues of fear, racial bias, and gun culture, while also probing the implications of Florida’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ law.
Gandbhir, who was a close friend of AJ, shared with Netflix Tudum: “This shocking crime left my family and me engulfed in grief and confusion.”
“Ajike’s community was tight-knit, rooted in mutual support and trust. It was heartbreaking to witness how such a close environment could unravel so catastrophically.”
The documentary, titled The Perfect Neighbor, is now available for streaming on Netflix.
The Perfect Neighbor has received a 100 percent rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.
John Stark of Mac the Movie Guy called it ‘powerful, emotionally draining, and one of the best and most important films of the year’.
Archi Sengupta from LeisureByte.com echoed this sentiment, describing it as a ‘harrowing reminder of how power and prejudice can destroy so many innocent lives’.
One viewer remarked, “Rarely have I seen a documentary that is so gripping and intense… It will stay with you forever.”
The conversation spilled over to X, where audiences shared how certain distressing scenes left them in tears.
One user stated, “You won’t see a more horrifying film this year than #ThePerfectNeighbor… Cried tears of rage and sadness watching. This is what evil looks like.”
Another described it as a ‘devastating watch,’ commenting on the shocking entitlement, racism, and evil from Lorincz, and the disturbing grace shown to her by the police.
The Perfect Neighbor is available for streaming on Netflix now.