The Perfect Neighbor (2025) is an American true-crime documentary directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir. Using a chilling “found footage” style, the film recounts the 2023 fatal shooting of Ajike “AJ” Owens in Florida by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz.
Constructed almost entirely from body camera recordings, interrogation room footage, and interviews, the film exposes the tragedy’s deep ties to racial prejudice and Florida’s “stand your ground” law. It premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 24, where Gandbhir won the Directing Award for U.S. Documentary. Netflix acquired distribution rights for $5 million and will release the film globally on October 17, 2025.
The Perfect Neighbor Age Rating
The Perfect Neighbor is officially rated R for language. This rating reflects the strong profanity captured in raw police footage and emotionally charged interviews. While the R rating is not for graphic imagery, the real-life violence, themes of racism, and disturbing subject matter may be overwhelming for younger viewers.
Violence & Peril
Violence level: Moderate to Strong.
The fatal shooting itself is not graphically shown on camera, but its aftermath is documented through police footage and interrogation recordings. The atmosphere is deeply tense, with constant reminders of a violent tragedy. The reality-based context makes it more intense than fictional portrayals.
Language
Language level: Strong.
The documentary includes repeated profanity and emotionally charged outbursts from law enforcement, witnesses, and community members. Racially charged language and derogatory terms may also appear in recorded footage.
Mature Themes
The film tackles racism, systemic injustice, gun violence, grief, mental health, and U.S. legal policies. It portrays real people coping with loss and anger in raw, unfiltered ways. These mature social themes are central to the documentary’s power but may be distressing for younger viewers.
Is The Perfect Neighbor Suitable for Teens?
Ages 12 and under: No. The subject matter is far too heavy, involving racism, murder, and grief.
Ages 13–15: Not recommended. Even though the film is educational, the raw intensity and mature themes are too overwhelming for most younger teens.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance. Older teens may watch with parental guidance. It provides important lessons about racism, justice, and social systems but requires emotional maturity to process.
Final Recommendation: Suitable for older teens (16+) and adults, but best viewed with context and discussion afterward.
What Parents Can Do
- Prepare teens for raw realism, explaining that bodycam and interrogation footage may feel uncomfortably real.
- Discuss systemic racism and justice, helping them connect the film to broader societal issues.
- Encourage empathy, focusing on AJ Owens’ story and the impact on her family and community.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q1: What is The Perfect Neighbor rated?
A1: The film is rated R for language.
Q2: Is The Perfect Neighbor appropriate for kids or teens?
A2: No, it is best suited for older teens (16+) and adults due to its mature themes.
Q3: Does the documentary show violence or death on screen?
A3: The actual shooting is not graphically shown, but the aftermath and investigation are presented through real footage.
Q4: How strong is the language?
A4: The film contains repeated profanity, as well as emotionally charged outbursts and possibly racially charged remarks.
Q5: Does the film contain sexual content or nudity?
A5: No, there is no sexual content or nudity. The maturity comes from violence, grief, and social issues.
Q6: Where can I watch The Perfect Neighbor?
A6: The film will premiere on Netflix worldwide on October 17, 2025.