Entertainment

This bizarre Netflix documentary scores a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes

By

Do you have a good relationship with your neighbors? Okay, you don’t have to stand on the sidewalk every day, but a friendly greeting can’t hurt, right? Can’t manage that? Then things might just go wrong. The new true crime docu ‘The Perfect Neighbor’ is proof of that. With a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, this bizarre Netflix documentary makes a big impression. What starts as an apparently simple neighbor dispute spirals out of control… with ultimately deadly consequences.

A woman in a black top with a large bow at the shoulder stands behind a row of microphones with logos of news channels during a press conference. She looks emotional and her face is shown in close-up. Parts of two other people are visible on the right.

The Perfect Neighbor: how a neighbor dispute escalates

‘The Perfect Neighbor’ tells the chilling story of Ajike ‘AJ’ Owens and her neighbor Susan Lorincz, who live in a close-knit neighborhood in Ocala, Florida. The children always play outside here, and the parents keep an eye on everything together. But in this friendly atmosphere, Susan is an outsider. She has a huge problem with the children playing near her house, and according to her, they run and scream way too loudly. She increasingly complains to the police, but little is done with her reports. As tensions rise, Susan becomes more aggressive: she yells at the children and makes racist remarks. One day, when she throws a roller skate at a child and takes his iPad, everything spirals out of control. Ajike, the child’s mother, goes to confront her, but Susan refuses to open her door. She calls the police again, but before they arrive, she takes matters into her own hands. Susan shoots through the front door – and Ajike doesn’t survive.

Three people stand outside in bright sunlight, holding a large portrait of a smiling woman together. They wear matching white-purple T-shirts with her image on them. The woman on the right is wearing sunglasses and looking at the portrait. The other two people are standing on the left with their heads bowed.

The protest that shook the world awake

Ajike’s case sparked large protests in the US, especially because Susan Lorincz was not immediately arrested. This had everything to do with the Stand Your Ground law, which is in effect in several states, including Florida. According to this law, you may use (deadly) force to protect yourself in threatening situations. This was used by Susan’s lawyers as her main defense. Ajike allegedly screamed that she wanted to kill her. Only after much protest and a difficult investigation was Susan eventually convicted. She is currently serving her 25-year prison sentence. This difficult process was the main reason for director Geeta Gandbhir to make the documentary. “I hope this film leads to a deeper understanding of the consequences of these laws and that we can implement changes that prevent future senseless tragedies.” Ajike’s family is also committed to change. In November 2024, they established the Standing in the Gap Fund to fight for a change in the law, and that fight is still ongoing.

Aerial photo taken from a bird's eye view of a residential area with green lawns and trees. The image shows a two-story apartment building with a gray-green roof and a parking lot in front with one white car. To the left of it is a square, light-colored building with a parking lot. A curved road runs through the middle.

100% on Rotten Tomatoes: why the documentary makes an impression

Since its release, the documentary has firmly held a spot in the Netflix top 3. And a Rotten Tomatoes score of 100% is not easily earned. Viewers and critics are praising it. “A fascinating and haunting Netflix docu.” “This was heartbreaking.” “An excellent, provocative film that will undoubtedly lead to much discussion.” These are just a few reactions to ‘The Perfect Neighbor’, but the message is clear: this documentary makes an impression. Especially the fact that Ajike leaves behind four children, and the moment they hear that their mother will never return, deeply affects viewers.

A close-up of a group of people holding each other in a moment of prayer or comfort, in dark, warm lighting. An older woman in the middle with a striped blouse and glasses has her hands in front of her mouth in a gesture of emotion or prayer, while other people around her bow their heads.

The documentary is not without criticism

‘The Perfect Neighbor’ receives compliments and that perfect score for a reason, but it doesn’t come away unscathed. The scene with Ajike’s children touches many viewers, but also raises questions. Why does such a vulnerable moment need to be captured on film? It almost feels like you’re intruding on something very personal that should have remained private. And that’s not all. The way the documentary is filmed doesn’t appeal to everyone either. Almost everything is captured with body cams or police surveillance cameras. It provides an intense look, but it also becomes monotonous. Especially since you already know what’s going to happen, but the creators keep delaying the climax. And we haven’t even talked about the moments for which only audio is available. Those are filled with images of the street or the trees; it feels a bit random, and pulls you out of the story. So was the documentary really that perfect? As far as we’re concerned, no, but the story still makes a deep impression. What these children have experienced is heartbreaking.

Image: Netflix