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The Perfect Neighbor (2025),
Director: Geeta Gandbhir, rated R for language
An object
lesson in the ways basic civility has eroded - ArtsATL
  Starring
(as themselves):
Susan Lorincz, Ajike Owens, Frankin Baez-Colon, Michael Balken,
Aaron Barbosa, Troy Campbell, Jonathan Coleman, Pamela Dias,
Troy Gann
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★☆☆☆
- good
"I'm, like, the
perfect neighbor. You barely ever see me." -
Susan Lorincz
Why watch this?
In this world, we have to get along. But sometimes...
Plot Summary:
This documentary chronicles the escalating tensions between a
Florida mother and her neighbor, whose persistent harassment of
local children over trivial matters turns into a dangerous,
racially charged feud. Told through police bodycam footage,
security recordings, and 911 calls, the film documents a series
of hostile encounters that lead to a fatal shooting in broad
daylight. It explores the aftermath of this tragedy and
questions the application of "stand your ground" laws in a case
that devastated a community.
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Dad's Preview:
This documentary builds like an impending car crash. You
have an active family-focused, and predominately black,
Florida neighborhood. These are regular people, all glad
to have their many children playing together outside. To
the mix is added a lone white woman. She's isolated, not
only physically, but mentally; it is my guess that she
suffers from several mental conditions, ranging from
paranoia to bipolar disorder. She lives in constant
fear. When these two worlds collide, an immediate
wall is manifest. Susan hates the noise, and by
extension the children. The kids, after several negative
encounters, begin to hate the "Karen" in their midst -
they push the boundaries, even taunt her. Predictably,
it end in tragedy, yet at no time (at least that we know
of) did either side try to diffuse the situation by
getting together for a peaceful lunch to get to know
each other. No olive branches were extended. Everyone
should see this and take a hard look at how you interact
with your neighbors. |
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Message Pictures,
Park Pictures, SO'B Prod.; Netflix |
