Where Did The Perfect Neighbor Take Place: A Guide to the Filming Location

If you’ve been wondering where The Perfect Neighbor was filmed, the answer is Florida — specifically in Ocala, Marion County. This powerful true crime documentary, which premiered on Netflix, tells the tragic story of Ajike “A.J.” Owens, a 35-year-old Black mother of four who was shot and killed by her white neighbor, Susan Lorincz, in June 2023.

The film uses real police body camera footage to tell the story, making it one of the most authentic and emotionally charged documentaries in recent years. But beyond its gripping narrative, the location of the film plays a crucial role in shaping the viewer’s understanding of the events that unfolded.

Why Ocala, Florida?

Ocala is a city located in Marion County, Florida, known for its suburban neighborhoods, quiet streets, and small-town charm. It was here, in the Quail Run neighborhood, that the events of The Perfect Neighbor took place. Ajike Owens and Susan Lorincz lived across the street from each other, and their lives were forever changed by a single, tragic confrontation.

The choice to film in Ocala was not just about geography — it was about authenticity. By setting the documentary in the very community where the events occurred, the filmmakers were able to capture the emotional weight of the story in a way that no reenactment or fictional setting could replicate.

The Tragedy That Shook the Nation

The incident began with a series of escalating tensions between Owens and Lorincz. According to the documentary, Lorincz had called the police multiple times over the years, complaining about Owens’ children playing in a field that was privately owned but accessible to neighbors. These complaints eventually led to a confrontation that ended in tragedy.

On June 2, 2023, after an altercation with one of Owens’ children, she knocked on Lorincz’s front door. Lorincz, who was alone at home with her 10-year-old son, fired a single shot through the locked door, killing Owens. The incident sparked nationwide outrage, especially after it was revealed that Lorincz used Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law as a defense.

The Role of Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” Law

Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law allows individuals to use lethal force if they believe their life is in danger, without the obligation to retreat. This law has been controversial, with critics arguing that it contributes to racial disparities in the justice system.

In The Perfect Neighbor, the law is central to the narrative. The documentary shows how Lorincz used it to justify her actions, despite the fact that the evidence suggested otherwise. The film also highlights the broader implications of such laws, particularly in communities of color.

How the Filmmakers Captured the Story

The documentary is largely told through police body camera footage, which was obtained through the Freedom of Information Act. This approach gives viewers a firsthand look at the events leading up to Owens’ death, without the bias of traditional news coverage.

Director Geeta Gandbhir and producer Tameka Robinson emphasized the importance of using real footage to maintain the integrity of the story. They believed that the authenticity of the footage would help viewers understand the full context of what happened.

The Impact of Filming in Ocala

Filming in Ocala allowed the production team to immerse themselves in the environment where the events took place. From the residential neighborhoods to the local courthouse, every detail was carefully chosen to reflect the reality of the situation.

The filmmakers also interviewed residents who lived in the area, giving them a voice in the documentary. These personal accounts added depth to the story and helped humanize the people involved.

The Legacy of The Perfect Neighbor

Since its release, The Perfect Neighbor has sparked important conversations about race, justice, and the role of self-defense laws in America. It has also brought attention to the ongoing struggles faced by families affected by gun violence and systemic inequality.

The documentary serves as a reminder that even in the most ordinary of places, tragedies can occur. It challenges viewers to think critically about the systems that allow such events to happen and the ways in which we can work toward a more just society.

Conclusion

The Perfect Neighbor is more than just a true crime documentary — it’s a powerful exploration of justice, race, and the human cost of fear. By choosing to film in Ocala, Florida, the filmmakers created a story that feels both intimate and universal.

As the documentary continues to spark conversations across the country, it reminds us that the fight for justice is ongoing — and that the places we live in can shape the stories we tell.

---

Meta Title: Where Did The Perfect Neighbor Take Place?

Meta Description: Discover the real-life location of The Perfect Neighbor and learn how the documentary captured the tragic events in Ocala, Florida.

Author: [Nama Lengkap]

Title/Role: [Jabatan atau keahlian]

Credentials: [Ringkasan kualifikasi atau pengalaman terkait]

Profile Link: [Link profil, opsional]

Sources:

– Brady: United Against Gun Violence

– The New York Times – Stand Your Ground Laws

– Netflix – The Perfect Neighbor

Internal Links:

– True Crime Documentaries on Netflix

– Understanding Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law

– The Impact of The Perfect Neighbor

Schema Markup:

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Article",
  "headline": "Where Did The Perfect Neighbor Take Place: A Guide to the Filming Location",
  "datePublished": "2025-10-05",
  "dateModified": "2025-10-05",
  "author": {
    "@type": "Person",
    "name": "[Nama Lengkap]"
  },
  "publisher": {
    "@type": "Organization",
    "name": "[Nama Situs]",
    "logo": {
      "@type": "ImageObject",
      "url": "[Logo URL]"
    }
  },
  "description": "Discover the real-life location of *The Perfect Neighbor* and learn how the documentary captured the tragic events in Ocala, Florida.",
  "image": "[Cover Image URL]"
}

Call to Action:

Stay updated with the latest news and explore the impact of The Perfect Neighbor on American society.

About The Author