The Perfect Neighbor: A Chilling Glimpse into America's Dark Side
A chilling reminder of the flaws in our justice system.
The Perfect Neighbor, a documentary by Geeta Gandbhir, takes us on a journey into a seemingly ordinary American neighborhood, only to reveal a disturbing reality beneath the surface. This film is a powerful indictment of the failures of our society, and it leaves a lasting impact on viewers.
Gandbhir's work is an unflinching look at a racist murder, told through a unique and hands-off approach. The story unfolds like a nightmare, with bodycam footage and interrogation videos serving as our guide. In a Florida community, we meet Susan Lorincz, a woman whose overreactions and racist outbursts have become a constant source of frustration for her neighbors, both Black and white.
But here's where it gets controversial: the police, who are supposed to protect and serve, seem to turn a blind eye. Despite endless false alarms and complaints, the officers do little more than back up Susan's Black neighbors. It's a disturbing glimpse into the social contract that many believe doesn't exist, or never did.
As the film progresses, we witness the inevitable conclusion. In a country where gun rights take precedence over human lives, Susan's hatred escalates, leading to the tragic murder of Ajike "AJ" Owens, a Black mother of four. It's a horrifying outcome, yet for those familiar with America's history, it's sadly predictable.
The documentary's exploration of stand-your-ground laws and police ineffectiveness is both damning and eye-opening. Through its dedication to fisheye footage and explicit access, it drives home the point that these injustices are not isolated incidents. Crying children, haunted friends, and a delusional killer - these are the images that stay with you long after the film ends.
And this is the part most people miss: despite the intimacy and power of Gandbhir's direction, which earned her the Sundance Directing Award, The Perfect Neighbor feels all too familiar. We've seen these stories, these images, time and again in the news and on social media. But Gandbhir's film breaks it down, from start to finish, leaving no room for denial.
Using footage from the cops and courts, the film is a heavy watch, yet it moves with surprising agility. It doesn't need talking heads to make its point; the comparison between community action and a gun-happy police state is undeniable. The final statistics drive home the reality that these crimes are all too common, and justice is rarely served.
The Perfect Neighbor stares directly at an American tragedy, daring its audience to look away. It's a powerful and necessary film, leaving us with more questions than answers. What are your thoughts? Is this a story that needs to be told, or does it simply reinforce our worst fears about society?
