What It’s About
In Ocala, Florida, a dispute between reclusive Lorincz (who’s white) and her African American neighbors imperceptibly escalates, leading to tragedy. Lorincz has lodged multiple police complaints about local kids playing too loudly, too near her home. Eventually, Owens, mother of four, makes the mistake of pounding on Lorincz’s door to confront her, whereupon Lorincz shoots through it and kills her. Will the state’s “Stand Your Ground” law get Lorincz off the hook?
Why We Love It
Gandbhir’s unnerving documentary makes generous use of police bodycam and interview footage, with no recreations whatever. Starting with the senseless murder that captured the nation’s attention and working back, we get to know Ms. Lorincz through her recurring calls to police. Even as she tries to sound reasonable, the police can tell there’s something off, an undercurrent of racism. They try to make peace and reinforce the ground rules, but in the moment, these feel like nuisance calls. No one anticipates the danger that’s building. A heartbreaking human story and devastating indictment of the law which allowed Lorincz to claim self-defense, this “Neighbor” bears close scrutiny.