If you’ve been asking what state was The Perfect Neighbor filmed in, the answer is Florida. The powerful documentary was filmed entirely in and around Ocala, located in Marion County, Florida — the very same community where the tragic real-life events took place.
By choosing to film in Florida, the creators captured the raw emotion, atmosphere, and truth of the story, allowing audiences to experience the setting exactly as it was when it all unfolded
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The Real Story Behind The Perfect Neighbor
Before we explore why Florida was chosen, it’s important to understand the story that inspired the film. The Perfect Neighbor follows the heartbreaking case of Ajike “AJ” Owens, a Florida mother of four who was fatally shot by her neighbor Susan Lorincz in June 2023.
The tragedy occurred in a quiet Ocala neighborhood, where a long-standing dispute between neighbors spiraled into a deadly confrontation. The incident shocked not only the state but the entire country, sparking widespread conversations about race, justice, and the limits of self-defense laws in America.
Since the events were deeply tied to Florida’s culture and laws, it made perfect sense for the filmmakers to shoot the documentary right where the story began.
Where Exactly Was The Perfect Neighbor Filmed?
The entire production of The Perfect Neighbor took place in Ocala, a city in Marion County, Florida. This location was chosen not only for its authenticity but also because it allowed the filmmakers to accurately depict the environment where the incident occurred.
Several filming locations were used across central Florida, including:
- Residential neighborhoods in Ocala, where the confrontation took place.
- Marion County Courthouse, which handled key legal proceedings in the case.
- Local community spaces, such as parks and memorial sites where residents gathered to honor AJ Owens.
Additionally, a few segments were filmed in nearby cities like Gainesville and Orlando, primarily for interviews and supporting footage related to the investigation.
By filming entirely in Florida, the production achieved a strong sense of realism — something that audiences immediately recognized and appreciated.
Why Florida Was Central to the Story
Florida wasn’t just a filming location; it was an essential part of the story’s identity. The documentary heavily references Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” laws, which played a major role in how the case was handled legally and publicly.
Furthermore, the filmmakers wanted to highlight how such a tragedy could happen in an otherwise peaceful suburban community. Florida’s landscapes, weather, and neighborhood designs all contribute to that contrast — a place that looks serene but hides deep social tensions.
In addition, filming in Florida allowed the documentary to address broader issues that resonate nationwide, such as:
- The challenge of neighbor disputes turning violent.
- The intersection of race, fear, and justice in modern America.
- The influence of state laws on public perception and legal outcomes.
By capturing the real streets and homes of Ocala, The Perfect Neighbor gives viewers a genuine glimpse into the world where the story unfolded.
The Importance of Filming on Location
Many documentaries recreate events using sets or reenactments filmed elsewhere. However, The Perfect Neighbor took a different approach. The production team decided to film directly in the same neighborhoods where the tragedy occurred.
This decision added emotional weight to the storytelling. Viewers see the same driveways, trees, and homes that played a part in the real event, making the experience much more powerful.
Moreover, filming on location gave the filmmakers access to firsthand accounts from locals. Residents who lived through the incident shared their experiences, providing perspective that no recreated set could ever match.
The authenticity of Florida’s environment — the sunlight, humidity, and suburban architecture — made every frame feel real.
Florida’s Visual and Emotional Tone
The state’s unique environment plays a major role in setting the tone of The Perfect Neighbor. The film captures Florida’s natural contrasts — its calm beauty and the underlying tension that defines its communities.
Through vivid cinematography, viewers see:
- Palm-lined streets and peaceful cul-de-sacs.
- Bright sunlight and heavy humidity, reflecting both warmth and discomfort.
- Quiet neighborhoods that mirror many American suburbs, making the story universally relatable.
This setting underscores how easily ordinary surroundings can become the site of tragedy. It’s this unsettling normalcy that makes The Perfect Neighbor so compelling.
How the Florida Setting Shapes the Documentary’s Message
The decision to film in Florida reinforces the film’s core message — that violence, misunderstanding, and fear can exist anywhere. The Sunshine State, known for its tropical weather and tourist attractions, also carries deep cultural and racial complexities that surface throughout the documentary.
Furthermore, Florida’s distinct legal landscape plays a vital role. Its self-defense laws have been at the center of many high-profile cases, and The Perfect Neighbor uses that context to examine how justice works — or fails — in certain communities.
By grounding the story in its real location, the filmmakers created a narrative that feels not just accurate but emotionally honest.
Behind the Scenes: Why Authenticity Mattered
The filmmakers have stated that shooting in Florida was critical to maintaining the integrity of the story. Every shot — from the courthouse steps to the residential streets — reflects real places connected to the tragedy.
This commitment to authenticity allowed them to highlight three key aspects:
- Community Voices: Locals spoke about the fear, anger, and grief that followed the event.
- Emotional Geography: The real locations remind viewers that these events aren’t distant headlines — they happen in real neighborhoods just like theirs.
- Social Reflection: The choice of location helps explore deeper questions about race, safety, and belonging in American communities.
By using Florida as both a setting and a symbol, the documentary becomes more than a story — it becomes a reflection of society.
Audience Reactions to the Florida Setting
Viewers have praised The Perfect Neighbor for its grounded realism and emotional depth. Many said the Florida setting made the story feel too real — like it could have happened next door.
For Floridians, especially those familiar with Ocala or Marion County, the film resonates on an even deeper level. It portrays the daily rhythms of life in their communities — the same ones that were disrupted by a tragedy no one saw coming.
This connection between place and emotion is what makes the film so memorable.
Florida’s Growing Popularity in True-Crime Filmmaking
Over the past decade, Florida has become a popular destination for true-crime and social-justice documentaries. Its mix of natural beauty, complex social issues, and dramatic real-life stories provides filmmakers with compelling material.
The Perfect Neighbor joins other notable productions that chose to film in the state for authenticity. Florida’s combination of realism, accessibility, and diversity makes it a powerful canvas for stories about American life.
Final Thoughts
So, what state was The Perfect Neighbor filmed in? The answer is unmistakably Florida. The filmmakers shot the documentary in the same neighborhoods, streets, and courthouses where the real-life events took place — primarily in Ocala, Marion County.
This choice was about more than location; it was about truth. Florida’s influence is felt in every frame — in its laws, its culture, and its communities. The result is a film that feels alive, emotional, and deeply authentic.
If you’ve watched The Perfect Neighbor, think about how the Florida setting shaped your understanding of the story. Did it make it feel more real, more personal, or more powerful? Share your thoughts below and join the conversation.