Geeta Gandbhir’s ‘The Perfect Neighbor’ to Premiere on Netflix in 2025

Netflix has officially acquired the rights to The Perfect Neighbor, a powerful documentary directed by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir. The film, which explores the tragic escalation of a neighborhood dispute in Florida, will be released globally on Netflix later this year.

A Gripping Examination of Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” Laws

The Perfect Neighbor sheds light on a real-life confrontation that ended in deadly violence, bringing urgent attention to Florida’s controversial “stand your ground” laws. Through police body camera footage and investigative interviews, the documentary provides an in-depth look at the consequences of these self-defense laws and their impact on communities.

The film centers on the events leading up to the killing of Ajike “AJ” Owens by her neighbor, Susan Lorincz, on June 2, 2023. As tensions escalated between the two women, the situation took a fatal turn, sparking widespread national debate on race, justice, and self-defense laws. Gandbhir’s documentary offers a thoughtful and emotionally charged narrative, ensuring that Owens’ story is heard and remembered.

Award-Winning Festival Run

Before its Netflix debut, The Perfect Neighbor premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it received high praise and won the Directing Award in the U.S. Documentary category. The film is also an official selection at several prestigious festivals, including SXSW, CPHDOX, and the Miami Film Festival.

Gandbhir’s direction has been lauded for its ability to humanize the tragedy while providing a compelling investigation into the societal structures that allowed the situation to unfold. The film’s success on the festival circuit has set the stage for a much-anticipated release on Netflix, ensuring it reaches a global audience.

A Strong Production Team Behind the Film

The documentary is produced by a team of accomplished industry professionals dedicated to bringing impactful stories to the screen. The production team includes:

• Geeta Gandbhir, Alisa Payne, and Nikon Kwantu for Message Pictures
• Sam Bisbee for Park Pictures

The executive production team features industry veterans:

• Sam Pollard for Message Pictures
• Soledad O’Brien and Rose Arce for SO’B Productions
• Jackie Kelman Bisbee and Wendy Neu for Park Pictures
• Takema Robinson

With such an esteemed group of filmmakers and producers involved, The Perfect Neighbor is backed by an unparalleled level of expertise and dedication to meaningful storytelling.

Director Geeta Gandbhir’s Vision and Statement

Gandbhir, known for her work on Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power and Black and Missing, expressed her deep connection to the film, stating:

“The Perfect Neighbor is a deeply personal project, created to transform grief into purpose and honor the lasting legacy of Ajike Owens and her family. My team at Message Pictures, along with our incredible partners at S’OB Productions and Park Pictures, are thrilled the film will be available on Netflix, offering audiences worldwide the chance to experience this urgent and powerful story.”

Her words reflect the film’s mission—to spark meaningful conversations about justice, community conflict, and the legal frameworks that shape real-world outcomes.

A Global Audience Awaits the Netflix Release

Netflix’s acquisition of The Perfect Neighbor ensures that this important documentary will be accessible to viewers around the world. While an official streaming release date has yet to be announced, anticipation is high following the film’s successful festival run.

Audiences can expect a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant documentary that not only examines a specific tragedy but also explores broader societal themes. By bringing this powerful story to Netflix, the filmmakers aim to engage global audiences in discussions about justice, accountability, and the laws that govern self-defense in America.

Stay tuned for more updates on the film’s release date and be sure to add The Perfect Neighbor to your Netflix watchlist when it becomes available.