‘Found footage’ explained as ‘terrifying’ new Netflix doc fuels controversy before it's even released

Netflix's true crime documentaries have gripped us all at one point or another, and a new show has already caused a stir before its release.

The Perfect Neighbor tells the story of a fatal confrontation in Florida, examining the societal and legal implications of the state's 'Stand Your Ground' laws which allows individuals to use deadly force to protect themselves.

The documentary follows the story of 58-year-old Susan Lorincz, who began feuding with the neighbourhood children and began fighting with their mum, Ajike Owens, who was later tragically killed by Lorincz.

Filmed through police bodycam footage and interviews, the documentary reveals the fatal shooting of Ajike and the events preceding and succeeding the attack.

Although it hasn't been released on Netflix yet, The Perfect Neighbor has garnered some online conversation about the documentary's filming style.

Users on X have begun debating the 'found footage' aspect of The Perfect Neighbor, arguing whether a documentary can be labelled as a 'found footage' film.

The 'found footage' genre is essentially what it says on the tin, with the film or TV show the audience is watching being the footage subsequently filmed by the characters within the plot, think Paranormal Activity or Cloverfield.

In these instances, the situation is entirely fictitious, so in the case of The Perfect Neighbor, which uses police bodycam footage, many on social media are questioning whether a documentary of a true event can be classed as 'found footage'.

The documentary uses police body cam footage shot from around the incident (Netflix)

One X (formerly Twitter) user said the documentary was 'both an exciting and terrifying new development in found footage as a genre'; however, they were immediately challenged by people saying that a documentary can't be found footage.

Someone responded saying that 'found footage' suggests there is a 'fictional narrative, made to look like real footage taken by the characters', adding: "This is a documentary."

While another said: "Is it though?"

A third replied: "I don't think y'all know what the "found footage" genre actually is."

The initial person then followed up on their tweet, adding: "Sick of people saying a documentary can’t be a found footage film and vice versa! Found footage itself does not need to be fictional. It is just a method of storytelling. You only think it’s predominantly fiction because that’s what’s popular."

The Perfect Neighbor tells the story of the 2023 murder of Ajike Owens by Susan Lorincz (Netflix)

They included screenshots from the 'found footage' Wikipedia, which states that it can be appropriated for documentary films, with another definition which said it is the 'use of in a film of footage previously made for another purpose'.

They continued to say: "Also, enough with bringing up body language analysis videos featuring body cams! The purpose of those videos is to “inform” or “teach” people (but it’s just entertainment). A film can infer and pass judgment in more impartial ways.

"A film has a personal perspective."

However, some had issues with this presentation of the story, as someone said it made them 'sick to my stomach' at Ajike Owens' murder being presented as 'a Netflix found footage style production through using bodycam video'.

While another called the concept 'definitely compelling', they added: "I'm hesitant about treating police body cam footage as an objective lens."

The Perfect Neighbor premieres on October 17.