Netflix's The Perfect Neighbor hits huge milestone as viewers admit it 'broke my heart'
The Perfect Neighbor has captivated Netflix fans, with the documentary telling the story of Ajike 'AJ' Owens' death after she was shot and killed by Susan Lorincz
The Perfect Neighbor has proven to be a hit among viewers, with the documentary having reached an impressive 16.7 million views in its first three days on Netflix.
The film, which uses bodycam footage to show the build up to the fatal shooting of Ajike 'AJ' Owens by her neighbor Susan Lorincz, ranked as the second most-watched title on Netflix in the week it was released. It has since shot up to the most popular movie on the streaming giant.
The Perfect Neighbor managed to push KPop Demon Hunters off the top spot after the film had spent 17 weeks at either the number one or number two spot. Netflix viewers have been raving about The Perfect Neighbor, with many admitting the documentary left them "heartbroken."
The true crime documentary tells the story of how Susan Lorincz shot her neighbor Ajike 'AJ' Owens through a locked front door in 2023 after months of Lorincz complaining about local children playing near her home.
Owens had gone over to Lorincz's house to retrieve her son's tablet, which Lorincz had taken after the children annoyed her. A jury found Lorincz guilty of one count of manslaughter with a firearm and one count of assault in August 2024 and she is currently serving a 25-year prison sentence after being convicted.
The Perfect Neighbor has an almost-perfect rating on Rotten Tomatoes at 99% and viewers have taken to the review site to share their thoughts. "Very well made, such a horribly sad story, but something people should see. Those poor kids, broke my heart for them," one person posted.
Another viewer wrote, "The power in this film comes from its willingness to let the events, footage, and victims speak for themselves," as a third person admitted, "I just couldn’t finish it. The pain and grief of the children was too much for me to bear.
"It just broke my heart to watch them fall apart. My heart goes out to the children. I wish I could do something to ease their pain. I hope they find peace and happiness."
"Great to see a documentary with almost 100 percent body cam and interrogation footage as opposed to the usual film full of "expert crime commentary ". Raw and disturbing," a fourth fan raved.
Lorincz spoke in court during her trial as she apologized to Owens' family. "I am so sorry that I took AJ's life. I never intended to kill her. The night I shot that gun I was confused as to why she was screaming and pounding on my door. Please accept my humble and sincere apology for this tragedy," she told the court.
Following AJ's death, her four children - Isaac, Israel, Afrika and Titus - moved in with their grandmother, Pamela Dias. According to PEOPLE, Isaac has been in trauma therapy since his mom's death.
Speaking about raising her grandchildren, Pamela said, "Every day I have to muster up the energy and the courage to face this world and make sure that they're okay, that they can have as much of a normal and healthy childhood, and also to see their strength and courage helps me.
"I have no choice but to do it, and I thank god for giving me the strength. And I have amazing people around me who help support us."