Saagar Kote
Netflix’s ‘The Perfect Neighbor’ is a documentary that examines a scenario where a seemingly minor dispute between neighbors Susan Lorincz and Ajike Owens escalates into unexpected violence in Florida. Directed by Geeta Gandbhir, the documentary makes use of bodycam footage from police officers to narrate the complexities of the incident of deadly violence. It also comments on the “Stand Your Ground” laws in Florida, which allow people to use deadly force to defend themselves from perceived danger. If you were moved by the events and themes in this project, these documentary movies, similar to ‘The Perfect Neighbor,’ will be of interest to you.
8. Last Stop Larrimah (2023)
In HBO’s ‘Last Stop Larrimah,’ the isolated Australian Outback town of Larrimah, home to 11 unusual residents, becomes the scene of a mystery when one of them vanishes without a trace. As the remaining inhabitants come under suspicion, a history of long-standing feuds among them is revealed. The central part of the documentary is the disappearance of Paddy Moriarty and his dog. The situation becomes complex when the other residents of the town become suspects in the case. Directed by Thomas Tancred, it mirrors the world of ‘The Perfect Neighbor’ due to its portrayal of real incidents in a raw manner.
7. American Murder: The Family Next Door (2020)
Directed by Jenny Popplewell, Netflix’s ‘American Murder: The Family Next Door’ follows the shocking disappearance of a woman named Shanann Watts in 2018. When the mother goes missing along with her two little daughters in Colorado, it leads to a difficult scenario. The life of Shanann and her family’s experience with her husband, Chris, also finds poignant representation in the documentary. As the mystery deepens and elements of truth come to light, it shocks the community and other parts of the country. On the lines of ‘The Perfect Neighbor,’ it narrates incidents through disturbing footage and heartbreaking revelations, attempting to get as close to the truth as possible.
6. The Armor of Light (2015)
‘The Armor of Light’ chronicles the journey of Reverend Rob Schenck, an Evangelical minister and prominent figure on the political far-right, as he must find the courage and will to address the increasing impact of gun violence in America. The documentary, directed by Abigail Disney and Kathleen Hughes, explores Schenck’s departure from traditional views, as he questions the unusual and politically sensitive balance between being pro-gun and being pro-life. As he engages with challenging topics in the public arena, his work sparks interesting and relevant social debates. Like ‘The Perfect Neighbor,’ it looks at the nature of violence and how the human mind perceives it.
5. Peace Officer (2015)
‘Peace Officer’ is a complex documentary that looks at the journey undertaken by “Dub” Lawrence, a former police officer and sheriff. The core element of the visual narrative is the examination of the militarization of police forces in the country and the effects they lead to. As Lawrence deals with a personal tragedy, he tries to get to the bottom of the issue by investigating the death of his son-in-law and the increasing number of raids by SWAT teams across the country. Since he was the founder of Utah’s first SWAT team, his journey becomes more complex. Directed by Scott Christopherson and Brad Barber, it examines the ground realities of violence in the country, akin to ‘The Perfect Neighbor.’ Both visual works look at the social psyche behind the act of killing.
4. The Thin Blue Line (1988)
Directed by Errol Morris, ‘The Thin Blue Line’ deals with the trials and tribulations of a man named Randall Dale Adams. David Harris offers Randall Dale Adams a ride in November 1976 after the latter’s car breaks down unexpectedly. Later in the night, Officer Robert Wood attempts to check Harris’s stolen vehicle and is fatally shot. In the aftermath of the incident, the jury actually believes that Randall is the one behind the killing of the cop. The documentary examines the events surrounding the incident and also explores the nature of David’s testimony, while addressing the potential for a wrongful verdict. In ways similar to ‘The Perfect Neighbor,’ it explores the complex nature of justice and also comments on the workings of the system.
3. Strong Island (2017)
Netflix’s ‘Strong Island’ is an emotional and sensitive documentary that looks at the murder of a 24-year-old African-American man in 1992. The killing of William Ford Jr. becomes a poignant and difficult truth in the documentary, which is directed by the victim’s own brother, Yance Ford. The visual product becomes a vehicle for the pursuit of justice, told from an extremely personal and vulnerable space by the filmmaker. The larger questions of race, justice, and prejudice are examined in the documentary, which establishes a spiritual and thematic connection between it and ‘The Perfect Neighbor.’ Both the visual works address systemic issues and the way they become complex for victims.
2. What Jennifer Did (2024)
‘What Jennifer Did’ looks at the experiences of Jennifer Pan, who calls 911 in a state of panic and desperately seeks the help of the police when her parents face the danger of being killed by home invaders. However, things take a drastic turn when Jennifer herself becomes the focus of the police investigation into her parents’ case. This leads to complex questions and shocking revelations regarding the reality of the Pan family. Directed by Jenny Popplewell, the documentary looks at the complex nature of truth and crime through the case. Like ‘The Perfect Neighbor,’ it utilizes raw footage and a tense visual style to uncover the truth.
1. 3 1/2 Minutes, 10 Bullets (2015)
‘3 1/2 Minutes, 10 Bullets’ or ‘3½ Minutes, Ten Bullets’ is a documentary that follows the implications of the “Stand Your Ground” laws. It looks at the case of the death of Jordan Davis, an African-American teenager. Directed by Marc Silver, it chronicles the events that unfolded in November 2012, as Jordan Davis became the victim of a tragic crime. The visual work examines the mentality of the individual who committed the crime and also explores how self-defense laws become complex points of debate in the public sphere. On the lines of ‘The Perfect Neighbor,’ it deals with similar thematic issues surrounding violence, while also using raw footage to get to the depths of the matter. The documentaries are visually, philosophically, and spiritually connected through the experiences of the victims.
Read More: Where is Susan Lorincz Now?
