The Verdict
"As gripping as it is deeply unsettling,The Perfect Neighborlays bare the systemic failures and the quiet terror embedded in American legal systems with surgical precision."
Movie Review and Other Insights
The Perfect Neighbor is a visionary Documentary, Crime film directed by the acclaimed Geeta Gandbhir (Nikon Kwantu). Released in theaters on Oct 10, 2025, Limited, this cinematic experience offers a fresh take on the classic narrative. Produced by Message Pictures and distributed by Netflix, the film features a runtime of 1h 36m.
The story follows a seemingly minor neighborhood dispute in Florida escalates into deadly violence. Police bodycam footage and investigative interviews expose the consequences of Florida's "stand your ground" laws. Leading the cast are star performers Geeta Gandbhir, Nikon Kwantu, Geeta Gandbhir, who bring depth and intensity to their roles.
Rated R for Language, The Perfect Neighbor delivers a audio experience presented in a aspect ratio. Critics have praised the film, stating: "As gripping as it is deeply unsettling,The Perfect Neighborlays bare the systemic failures and the quiet terror embedded in American legal systems with surgical precision."
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Cast & Crew
Critic Reviews
"Extremely powerful and extremely important documentary filmmaking."
"A chilling and provocative look at the limits of policing, particularly when the laws the police are called to enforce present more of a problem than a solution."
"Captured entirely from police cam footage, this Oscar-buzzed documentary about a white Florida woman who murders her Black neighbor indicts an entire society. It's also the scariest movie you’ll see this Halloween season."
"The Perfect Neighbor is an incredibly moving, effectively told exploration of a tragedy."
"... a close-up portrait of the irrational xenophobia that has gripped much of American society and politics in recent years."
"It’s an object lesson in the ways basic civility has eroded."
Audience Reviews
I absolutely recommend this movie, although it will (should) make you angry. We don't typically get to see the full story of how racial friction leads to tragedy, but that is what this film lays bare. It's frustrating and infuriating to watch this older woman rage against her neighbors for simply playing football and roller skating and being kids around her house - but people like her do exist, unfortunately. The way the film was edited was incredible, considering that most of the video came from bodycam footage. Watching the police do what they can to help the situation within the limits of the law was interesting, and of course disappointing when they couldn't take greater action to discourage the "perfect neighbor" from her ridiculous behavior. What a miserable person! But it was worth watching to have a better understanding of how some community relationships develop and deteriorate around us.
This is what happens when a crazy woman thinks she can go off kids in the community. It is sad to see that someone had to die to see what our life has become. We are so barbaric
This movie is not as much entertaining as it is thought provoking and unsettling, and that’s exactly what makes it a must see.
Wow what a way to include the spectator. I felt like the chronological order of events allowed the audience to understand all events that led to such a horrific ending
Rating is not based on the entertainment level of this docu. But the way the story is told and the content of the docu.
The use of real footage and audio recordings, rather than interviews and dramatized reenactments, makes The Perfect Neighbor all the more powerful and impactful. It's the best documentary on Netflix.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Perfect Neighbor released?
The Perfect Neighbor hit theaters on Oct 10, 2025, Limited. It became available for streaming on Oct 17, 2025.
How long is the movie and what is the genre?
The film has a runtime of 1h 36m. It falls under the Documentary, Crime genre, featuring a sound mix in .
Who is the director of The Perfect Neighbor?
The movie is directed by Geeta Gandbhir. The script was penned by .
Who are the main actors in The Perfect Neighbor?
The top billed cast includes:
- Geeta Gandbhir as Director
- Nikon Kwantu as Producer
- Geeta Gandbhir as Producer
- Alisa Payne as Producer
- Sam Bisbee as Producer
Why is The Perfect Neighbor rated R?
It is rated R (Language)
Which studio produced the movie?
The Perfect Neighbor was produced by Message Pictures and distributed worldwide by Netflix.
About the movie
NEWA seemingly minor neighborhood dispute in Florida escalates into deadly violence. Police bodycam footage and investigative interviews expose the consequences of Florida's "stand your ground" laws.
- Director
- Geeta Gandbhir
- Producers
- Nikon Kwantu, Geeta Gandbhir, Alisa Payne, Sam Bisbee
- Distributor
- Netflix
- Production
- Message Pictures
- Genre
- Documentary, Crime
- Release Date
- Oct 10, 2025, Limited
- Run Time
- 1h 36m
- Rating
- R