The Perfect Neighbor
| The Perfect Neighbor | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Geeta Gandbhir |
| Produced by |
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| Cinematography | Alfredo De Lara |
| Edited by | Viridiana Lieberman |
| Music by | Laura Heinzinger |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Netflix |
Release date |
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Running time | 94 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The Perfect Neighbor is a 2025 American documentary film, directed and produced by Geeta Gandbhir. It follows the killing of Ajike Owens, told through bodycam footage, exploring disputes that lead to the murder. Soledad O'Brien serves as an executive producer.
It had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2025.
Premise
On June 2, 2023, Ajike "AJ" Shantrell Owens was murdered by Susan Lorincz. The film explores disputes leading up to the murder by using bodycam footage of disputes.
Production
Ajike Owens was Geeta Gandbhir's sister-in-law's best friend, concerned Susan Lorincz would use the Stand-your-ground law Gandbhir's partner Nikon Kwantu went to Florida and began filming.[1][2]
Release
The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 24, 2025.[3][4] It will also screen at South by Southwest on March 9, 2025.[5][6] In February 2025, Netflix was reportedly in final negotiations to acquire the film for $5 million.[7][8]
Reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 100% of 19 critics' reviews are positive, with an average rating of 8.8/10.[9] Metacritic, which uses a weighted average, assigned the film a score of 86 out of 100, based on 7 critics, indicating "universal acclaim".[10]
References
- ^ Tangcay, Jazz (January 25, 2025). "Soledad O'Brien on Exposing the 'Chaos' of Stand-Your-Ground Laws With Sundance Doc 'The Perfect Neighbor': 'These Make It Easier to Kill People. Period'". Variety. Retrieved January 25, 2025.
- ^ ""Something Dangerous is Always Lurking Just Beneath the Surface" Geeta Gandbhir, The Perfect Neighbor". Filmmaker. January 24, 2025. Retrieved January 25, 2025.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony; Patten, Dominic (December 11, 2024). "Sundance 2025: JLo, Sly Stone, Putin, Ayo Edebiri, André Holland, & Ex-NZ PM Jacinda Ardern Films Among Park City Festival Offerings". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 25, 2025.
- ^ "The Perfect Neighbor". Sundance Film Festival. Retrieved January 25, 2025.
- ^ "The Perfect Neighbor". South by Southwest. Retrieved January 25, 2025.
- ^ Hailu, Selome; B. Vary, Adam (January 25, 2025). "SXSW 2025 Lineup: Seth Rogen's 'The Studio,' Jenna Ortega Comedy 'Death of a Unicorn,' Nicole Kidman Thriller 'Holland' Among World Premieres". Variety. Retrieved January 25, 2025.
- ^ Lang, Brent; Rubin, Rebecca (6 February 2025). "Netflix Nearing $5 Million Deal for 'Perfect Neighbor,' Sundance Documentary About Florida's Stand Your Ground Law". Variety. Retrieved 7 February 2025.
- ^ Fleming, Mike Jr; D'Alessandro, Anthony (6 February 2025). "Netflix In Talks For Sundance Documentary 'The Perfect Neighbor'". Retrieved 7 February 2025.
- ^ "The Perfect Neighbor". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
- ^ "The Perfect Neighbor". Metacritic. Fandom, Inc. Retrieved February 10, 2025.
