Netflix’s Powerful Critique of Stand Your Ground Laws
Ajike “AJ” Owens, a devoted 35-year-old mother of four, tragically lost her life in June 2023 when she was shot and killed by her 58-year-old neighbor, Susan Lorincz, in Ocala, Florida. The heartbreaking incident shook the peaceful community, as it followed years of Lorincz making frequent calls to the police about neighborhood children, including Owens’, playing in a vacant lot near her home. Lorincz, who is white, justified her actions under Florida’s “stand your ground” law, claiming self-defense against the mostly Black children, many of whom were under 12 years old.
Award-winning filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir, supported by producer-husband Nikon Kwantu and esteemed nonfiction figures like Sam Pollard and Soledad O’Brien, has crafted a documentary titled “The Perfect Neighbor,” which delves into the events leading up to Owens’ tragic death. The film, set to premiere on Netflix after an Oscar-qualifying theatrical run, is primarily composed of police body camera footage, offering a raw and poignant exploration of the dangers posed by laws like “stand your ground” that can be easily misused or exploited in a society where claims of self-defense are not always treated equally.
Despite Lorincz’s manslaughter conviction in August 2024, the impact of her actions continues to reverberate through the Owens family and their community. Gandbhir, who had a personal connection to Owens through her sister-in-law, aims to honor Owens’ memory while shedding light on the grave consequences of societal fear and the proliferation of laws that may facilitate unjust violence.
In an interview, Gandbhir revealed that she initially had not planned on creating a film about this devastating incident, but instead intended to document the aftermath. However, upon receiving a call the night Owens was killed, her team sprang into action to support the family and serve as media liaisons during the difficult time.
