Netflix’s The Perfect Neighbor documentary explores the heartbreaking murder of AJ Owens by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz. Discover the untold facts, behind-the-scenes footage, and how this true-crime documentary sheds light on justice, race, and community in America.
The Perfect Neighbor Documentary: 4 Hidden Facts Netflix Left Out About the AJ Owens Case
Netflix’s latest true-crime release, The Perfect Neighbor documentary, is captivating and unsettling audiences worldwide. The film revisits the shocking AJ Owens murder case — a tragedy that exposed deep social fractures and sparked national outrage.
Directed by Geeta Gandbhir, The Perfect Neighbor documentary relies almost entirely on police body camera footage, security footage, and recorded calls to tell the story of Ajike “AJ” Shantrell Owens, a young mother of four who was shot and killed by her neighbor Susan Lorincz in Ocala, Florida, on June 2, 2023.
While the documentary offers unprecedented access to official footage, several crucial details — about the case, the community, and the victim’s personal life — didn’t make it into the final cut.
This in-depth article examines what The Perfect Neighbor documentary reveals, what it leaves out, and why it’s become one of the most discussed Netflix true crime documentaries of 2025.
The Story Behind The Perfect Neighbor Documentary
At its core, The Perfect Neighbor documentary tells the true story of a tragedy that unfolded in a quiet Florida neighborhood.
On June 2, 2023, AJ Owens, a 35-year-old mother, was shot through her neighbor’s door by Susan Lorincz, after a heated argument involving Owens’ children. The incident shocked the nation, leading to protests, national headlines, and renewed discussions about racial bias, stand-your-ground laws, and community conflict.
In August 2024, Lorincz was convicted of manslaughter, and by November 2024, she was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Director Geeta Gandbhir uses raw police footage to portray both sides of the tragedy without sensationalism. The result is a chilling yet deeply human exploration of fear, misunderstanding, and justice.
Production and Access: The Freedom of Information Act
One of the most remarkable aspects of The Perfect Neighbor documentary is how it was made.
The footage used in the film — including police body cam videos, 911 calls, and home surveillance — was obtained through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by lawyers representing Owens’ mother, Pamela Dias.
This legal tool allowed filmmakers to access unfiltered evidence, presenting viewers with an authentic, unbiased portrayal of events.
“The public would never doubt its authenticity,” said Gandbhir in an interview with The Guardian. “Police body camera footage often criminalizes people of color. We wanted to flip that narrative — to show humanity instead of dehumanization.”
AJ Owens: The Woman Behind the Headlines
While The Perfect Neighbor documentary focuses heavily on the confrontation and investigation, it leaves out much about AJ Owens’ life — a warm, devoted mother who balanced work and family with unwavering dedication.
According to reports from the Ocala Gazette, Owens managed a McDonald’s restaurant on Highway 326, worked long hours, and raised four children: Isaac, Afrika, Titus, and Israel.
Her neighbors described her as “a second mother to the whole community.” She often played football with neighborhood kids and encouraged others to stay active and focused.
“She was amazing — a great mother who always went to work and came straight home to her kids,” neighbor Phyllis Wills told MSNBC.
This human side of Owens — her joy, kindness, and community spirit — adds emotional depth to understanding what was lost that day.
Inside the Documentary: How Footage Shapes the Story
The Netflix documentary is constructed primarily from body cam footage and security recordings, providing viewers with an unfiltered window into the immediate aftermath of the shooting.
Types of Footage Used in The Perfect Neighbor Documentary
| Type of Footage | Source | Purpose in Film |
|---|---|---|
| Police Body Cameras | Marion County Sheriff’s Office | Captures the response and arrest |
| 911 Calls | Public Records | Reveals emotional distress from both sides |
| Security Cameras | Local Residents | Provides visual evidence of confrontation |
| Cell Phone Videos | Witnesses | Shows community reaction and chaos |
| Courtroom Footage | Public Trial Record | Chronicles Lorincz’s sentencing |
This approach aligns with Gandbhir’s mission — to “let the truth speak for itself.” The film avoids narration or dramatization, instead using authentic recordings to allow audiences to experience events as they unfolded.
4 Surprising Details The Perfect Neighbor Documentary Left Out
Despite its extensive coverage, several critical details didn’t appear in The Perfect Neighbor documentary:
1. AJ Owens’ Community Advocacy
Before her death, Owens volunteered at local schools and advocated for safer play areas for children. These community efforts were not depicted but were crucial to her identity.
2. Lorincz’s Prior Complaints
Neighbors revealed that Lorincz had made multiple noise and trespassing complaints about neighborhood children in the months leading up to the shooting — a history briefly mentioned in legal documents but absent from the film.
3. The Role of Florida’s Stand-Your-Ground Law
While the case sparked debates over Florida’s self-defense laws, the documentary did not deeply explore how these statutes influenced the investigation.
4. Public Protests and Media Pressure
Nationwide protests followed Owens’ death, with civil rights activists demanding accountability. The film, however, focuses more on the footage than on the social movement that followed.
Themes Explored in The Perfect Neighbor Documentary
Beyond the crime itself, The Perfect Neighbor documentary is an emotional study of fear, empathy, and perception.
Gandbhir aims to show how quickly misunderstandings can escalate in divided communities. The use of real footage underscores questions of authenticity, bias, and systemic injustice.
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Community Conflict | Examines racial tension and neighborhood fear |
| Motherhood | Highlights AJ Owens as a caring, protective mother |
| Justice System | Reveals how bias influences investigations |
| Authenticity of Evidence | Raises questions about how police footage is used |
| Media Representation | Critiques how narratives are shaped by editing |
Through these themes, the film positions itself as more than just a crime documentary — it’s a mirror reflecting America’s ongoing struggle with race, violence, and truth.
Critical Reception and Audience Reaction
Since its release on October 19, 2025, The Perfect Neighbor documentary has sparked intense debate online. Critics have praised its unfiltered storytelling but also questioned its omissions.
The New York Times described it as “one of Netflix’s most chilling and transparent true-crime documentaries,” while Variety called it “a raw and necessary look at America’s racial divide.”
Social media users have also praised the documentary’s courage in handling sensitive material while maintaining respect for the victim’s family.
The Perfect Neighbor Documentary and the Quest for Justice
For many, The Perfect Neighbor documentary is more than a film — it’s a tool for social reflection. The AJ Owens case has reignited conversations about racial profiling, self-defense laws, and community accountability.
By relying solely on verified footage obtained through the Freedom of Information Act, the film reminds viewers that truth can be found in transparency — not in speculation.
FAQs About The Perfect Neighbor Documentary
Q1: What is The Perfect Neighbor documentary about?
A: It’s a Netflix true-crime documentary that examines the murder of AJ Owens by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz, through police body cam and surveillance footage.
Q2: Who directed The Perfect Neighbor?
A: The film was directed by award-winning filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir, known for her work on social justice and racial awareness.
Q3: How was the documentary footage obtained?
A: The footage was released using the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and includes police, cell phone, and courtroom recordings.
Q4: What happened to Susan Lorincz?
A: In 2024, Lorincz was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Q5: Where can I watch The Perfect Neighbor documentary?
A: The film is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix as of October 19, 2025.
Conclusion
The Perfect Neighbor documentary is a haunting reminder of how quickly ordinary lives can unravel under tension and fear. It gives voice to AJ Owens, a devoted mother whose life was cut short, while shedding light on issues of race, justice, and truth in modern America.
By using unfiltered police footage and real recordings, the documentary blurs the line between journalism and storytelling — forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable realities.
As audiences continue to dissect the film, one thing remains certain: The Perfect Neighbor documentary ensures that AJ Owens’ story will never be forgotten.