Welcome to another dual reviews edition. This time, I’m reviewing two gut-wrenching documentaries vying for Oscars this year.
The Perfect Neighbor
Watching this movie really makes me feel grateful for the awesome neighbors I have. There are tons of kids in my area, and during the summer, they often play outside, just like the kids in Ocala, Florida, where Susan Lorincz lived. She was angered by their presence that she kept calling the police on them, even though the grassy area they were playing on across from her duplex wasn’t even hers.
This remarkable true crime documentary, directed by Geeta Gandbhir, is primarily shot using police body cameras. The tragic event hits close to home for Gandbhir, as the victim, Ajike “AJ” Owens, was a friend of a family member of her creative partner, which motivated her to delve into the case. I’m not too familiar with this story, so it was quite enlightening to see how a small disagreement escalated to Lorincz firing the deadly shot through a locked door that struck Owens in the chest. While the shooting itself isn’t depicted, the reaction from one of Owens’ children is absolutely heartbreaking. What’s truly devastating is how he felt responsible for not being able to save his mom.
What’s most baffling is why Lorincz decided to live in a neighborhood predominantly filled with African Americans. At her age, in her mid-50s, why not opt for a rental property specifically for those over 55? There are tons of those available in Florida. I usually don’t jump to label someone as racist, but in Lorincz’s case, it fits her perfectly. What’s notable is the way the police respond every time they get called to ‘deal with’ the kids. Despite their frustration over these petty 911 calls over and over again, they managed to keep their professionalism intact. The cops are friendly with the kids, recognizing that it’s a good thing they’re out playing near their homes instead of hanging out on the streets getting into trouble.
The movie covers the timeline from February 2022, the tragic event in June 2023, all the way to the trial and sentencing in 2024. It’s a fresh take on doc filmmaking since it avoids the usual ‘talking head’ interviews we often find in documentaries. Editor Viridiana Lieberman skillfully pieced together more than 30 hours of police bodycam footage, 911 calls, and more to craft a 97-minute film. The editing is what makes the film; it’s engaging throughout, although the shaky-cam shots can be a bit dizzying, especially for someone like me who’s prone to motion sickness.
The Perfect Neighbor can be a rough watch; at times, this true-crime documentary feels like a real-life horror movie that reveals systemic problems and the contentious “stand your ground” laws. This kind of law can easily be distorted and used to mask people’s biases. I’m really glad Gandbhir included Lorincz’s arrest and her eventual guilty verdict. Even while in jail and being questioned before her arrest, she continued to behave as if she were the victim. Given the racially charged nature of the topic, it’s wise to let the footage speak for itself.
Mr. Nobody Against Putin
Pavel ‘Pasha’ Talankin did not set out to create a documentary. As the videographer and events coordinator at Karabash Primary School #1, his role was to capture the students during their daily routines and various events. Pasha loved this job, especially since he had fond memories of the school he attended, and his mother also worked there as a librarian. It wasn’t until the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine that Talankin started to seriously document the school activities for the government-mandated ‘patriotic displays.’ From flag-waving ceremonies and state-scripted lessons justifying the war to unsettling visits from Russian private military company Wagner Group mercenaries who taught kids about explosives.
I remember back in Jakarta during the Suharto era, we were made to watch propaganda films and similar stuff, but what Putin is demanding here is on a whole different level. It’s shocking to see young children being taught about the glory of nuclear weapons and having to take part in grenade-throwing competitions! It’s evident that Pasha became increasingly disturbed by these compliance demands and the militarization of the school. Many films have depicted the suffering of Ukrainians due to the war, and that’s completely justified. However, this film also highlights the pain that Russians endure as a result of the awful choices made by their leaders.
Pasha was on the verge of quitting when he connected with filmmaker David Borenstein, who became his co-director for this Czech–Danish documentary. A message he posted on Instagram somehow reached Borenstein, which led him to continue collecting footage. He clearly took a significant risk because if he got caught, he could face imprisonment or even death for treason. Putin made that very clear in his public speeches; there’s really no choice but to back his actions. The Russian president also stated, “Commanders don’t win wars. Teachers win wars,” which is quite ironic since these teachers had to stop educating students and instead feed them propaganda. It’s kind of ironic, yet not really surprising, that the history teacher who told them the biggest lies ended up snagging the state’s ‘teacher of the year’ award.
It’s chilling to witness children who seemed bored and baffled by these new mandatory lessons, but then they start to pay attention. Pasha knew that these programs work because these kids are too young to understand what’s morally right or wrong. If that’s all they’re fed day in and day out, the lies and propaganda will inevitably sink in. Students who once found solace and a safe space in Pasha’s free and democratic office are vanishing. Pasha saw his male friends get drafted and their families’ tearful goodbyes. There’s also a female student whose brothers died in the war, but she was unable to discuss it.
Even though the situation is pretty bleak, the film surprisingly has a funny side, and it’s ironic too. Pasha narrates the story with his sharp wit and a sense of humor. You can really feel his love for the town, even if Karabash is known as one of the most polluted spots on the planet because of over a hundred years of copper smelting that has left the air, soil, and water filled with nasty toxins like arsenic and mercury.
Mr. Nobody Against Putin really gets you thinking about what it means to be patriotic, especially given the amount of chaos in America right now, and that we’re in the middle of a war right now. Sometimes, dissenting can actually be a form of patriotism when your country is going off the rails. The film shows that Pasha managed to leave Russia, which is a relief, but I really hope he stays safe wherever he ends up.
FLIXCHATTER FILM BLOG 
These are 2 films that I want to see though I am wary about The Perfect Neighbor knowing it will piss me off about this whole “stand your ground” bullshit. It seems like Florida of all places has become the reddest of all red states. Yeah, we have imbeciles here in Georgia but fortunately we do have people with common sense. Still, we are living in the worst timeline.
Both of these are deeply unsettling, as they involve children, but The Perfect Neighbor is tougher to watch. Yeah, I would never live in Florida; the weather alone is unbearable in the summer, but the orange blob lives there too. Lots of imbeciles everywhere, but some states have ’em more than others, I guess.
These two docs sounds interesting, I haven’t watched any documentary in a long, I’ll keep an eye out for both of these. I’ll probably get upset if I do watch these docs since I can’t stand that idiotic “stand your ground” rule and what’s going in our country is that the Orange Turd is trying to turn this country into Russia. I said it before and I’ll say it again, I can never forgive anyone who voted for that awful old man to be in power again. Especially if they’re non-white MAGA voters, I don’t care if many of them are regretting their vote, they should’ve known better.
Not everyone who voted for the orange blob identifies as MAGA or even supports all of his policies. Well, he’s only got a few more years in office, though it can’t come soon enough. He’s a turd alright, but I doubt anyone, no matter how psychotic, could make the US into Russia. Can’t imagine such war propaganda and militarization of elementary schools would ever be allowed here… it’s chilling to see really young boys playing with rifles and grenades in the classroom!
I want to believe that it won’t happen here but he’s already planning to either cancel the midterm elections or somehow cheat comes this November. So, I will never say never ever since that Old Orange Turd came back to power. He has the Supreme Court under his belt and he’s controlling all branches of the government. I think more people needs to pay attention to what’s going on behind scenes with all those extreme right wing nuts planning. They’re planning something sinister to make sure they stay in power. The only way to beat them is that people go out and vote as many as possible.
The turd can plan and try all he wants, but I remain hopeful that the constitution and Congress won’t ever allow any tyrannical government efforts to materialize. I came from a country ruled by a dictator, so yeah, extremism in any form is terrifying. You’re right that the people can do something by casting our votes!
Wonderful reviews as always. I don’t normally watch documentaries but your positive reviews have given me a strong reason to check out both these films. “The Perfect Neighbour” seems to be more interesting of the two films in its depiction of racism. The concept of the friendly neighbour sounds interesting to me. It brings to mind great film about neighbourhoods that I have seen and loved. For instance, the concept behind the movie reminded me of the film “Do the Right Thing”. Released in 1989, Spike Lee’s movie offered a powerful portrait of racism in an American neighbourhood. One of my favourite films about racism. “The Perfect Neighbour” seems to fall into the same category of movies. So, for these reasons, I will definitely check it out.
Here’s my thoughts on “Do the Right Thing”:
The Perfect Neighbor depicts the opposite of a friendly neighbor… the title came from the quote of the racist woman who thinks she’s the perfect neighbor.
Do the Right Thing is set in a Brooklyn neighborhood, while this one is in Florida, but clearly racial prejudice occurs in lots of places. I just can’t understand why Susan couldn’t just move to a more predominantly white neighborhood with less kids, but then again, she’s so entitled that she likely expects others to cater to her needs, ugh!
I don’t mean to come across as insensitive or rude when I say I’m glad I don’t live in America, especially after watching The Perfect Neighbor. I will never feel safe knowing my neighbours have guns, or someone on the street or in a shop might just start shooting because something pissed him off.
I hear ya, Patrick. The amount of gun violence here in the US is just insane. But then again, there was that Bondi Beach shooting in Dec 2025, which is still rare in Australia. I feel like we just have to be extra vigilant in our world today, cheers mate!
Ocala is 100 miles north of me in Tampa and I remember this story quite well from all the news reports at the time. But to see exactly what happened in real time what this woman Susan did is simply horrific. Aside from being clearly racist, she is mentally ill. I still am a little confused on how the iPad was involved between Susan and the child that led the mother to her door, but nonetheless I was very glad at the outcome and hopefully she’ll serve the entire 25 years without being let go on parole or early release. Thanks for the heads-up on this riveting film, Flixy 😉
Hi there Becky! I’m sure this was even more prominent in the news in Florida when it happened. It’s just horrific and tragic… to see Ajike, who seems like a friendly woman and caring mom, chatting casually with the cops earlier in the film, then she was dead on the ground just weeks later is heartwrenching. That boy who was with her would be traumatized for life, poor kid!!
Yeah, Susan (the ultimate ‘Karen’) deserves to be in jail, and I hope she learns her lesson and be reformed by this experience, though I kind of doubt it.
Thanks Becky!
P.S. Btw, I thought of you when I saw this film set in Nigeria – My Father’s Shadow, I think you’d like this one. I love the British actor in it, he could be the next Idris Elba!
hey, Flixy, yes, saw your review of my father’s shadow and it’s definitely on my watch list ☺️
Fantastic reviews. The Perfect neighbour sounds an important film to see, even if it will be difficult to watch. The last film I saw was Little Amelie, which had the most fantastic of animation.
Yeah, The Perfect Neighbor is certainly not a feel-good film, but an important one.
Oooh I LOVE Little Amelie, I reviewed it not too long ago. It’s absolutely delightful!
I knew nothing about it, going in and that made it even better!
Indeed! The animation style is so gorgeous, too!
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