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Exploring the Impact of Bodycam Footage in 'The Perfect Neighbor'

In 'The Perfect Neighbor', Geeta Gandbhir utilizes police bodycam footage to delve into the complexities of modern American society. This documentary, now streaming on Netflix, chronicles the interactions between law enforcement and a community embroiled in conflict. By examining the footage, Gandbhir uncovers deeper societal issues and challenges the portrayal of police work in media. The film's unique approach reveals truths that often go unnoticed, prompting viewers to reflect on the dynamics of race and community. Discover how this powerful documentary sheds light on the challenges of coexistence in contemporary America.
By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 2, 2026, 14:41 IST

A New Perspective on Documentary Filmmaking

Documentaries that utilize pre-existing footage have emerged as a distinct genre, offering fresh interpretations of historical images. This is particularly evident in Sandhya Suri’s Around India with a Movie Camera, which revisits archival films from the British colonial era in India, and Sara Dosa’s Fire of Love, showcasing a French couple's captivating volcano footage.

Geeta Gandbhir’s The Perfect Neighbor employs police bodycam recordings to explore contemporary societal challenges in America. Now available on Netflix, this documentary presents a gripping and unsettling narrative.


The Perfect Neighbor debuted at the Sundance Film Festival in January, where Gandbhir received the prestigious directing award. The film features footage captured by law enforcement in Florida’s Marion County from 2022 to 2024.


The documentary chronicles the interactions between police and an elderly white woman, Susan Lorincz, who complains about her Black neighbor's children playing nearby. Lorincz asserts that the area is her property, while neighbor Ajike Owens argues that it belongs to the community. This conflict escalates, revealing deeper societal tensions.

Bodycams are intended to enhance investigations and safeguard officers against allegations of misconduct. However, they provide a limited viewpoint, capturing only one side of the narrative involving victims, suspects, and perpetrators.


Gandbhir, alongside editor Viridiana Lieberman, has artfully crafted The Perfect Neighbor to challenge the typical portrayal of police work in non-fiction media, which often sensationalizes and exploits such situations while presuming guilt.


The film builds suspense around the reactions of Lorincz's neighbors to her complaints, creating a Rashomon-like scenario that questions the notions of right and wrong. Initially, the bodycam footage appears neutral, but it ultimately reveals the underlying divisions within American society and the police's handling of crime.

Rather than opting for a traditional documentary format that includes interviews and reconstructions, Gandbhir’s approach effectively uncovers hidden truths. By closely examining the bodycam footage, she highlights a tragedy that might have been averted had someone taken the time to observe and listen attentively.


Watch the Trailer