Netflix's true crime documentaries have captivated audiences at various times, and a new show is already creating buzz before its premiere.

The Perfect Neighbor delves into a deadly encounter in Florida, exploring the societal and legal ramifications of the state's 'Stand Your Ground' laws, which permit individuals to use lethal force in self-defense.

This documentary chronicles the conflict involving 58-year-old Susan Lorincz, who began disputes with neighborhood children and eventually clashed with their mum, Ajike Owens, tragically resulting in Owens being killed by Lorincz.

Captured through police bodycam footage and interviews, the documentary reveals the fatal shooting of Ajike and the events leading up to and following the incident.

Even though it hasn't premiered on Netflix yet, The Perfect Neighbor has already sparked online discussions about its filming style.

Users on X have started debating the 'found footage' element of The Perfect Neighbor, questioning whether a documentary can truly be classified as a 'found footage' film.

The 'found footage' genre typically involves films or TV shows where the narrative is presented as if it were real footage captured by the characters, similar to movies like Paranormal Activity or Cloverfield.

In these cases, the scenarios are entirely fictional, so when it comes to The Perfect Neighbor, which utilizes police bodycam footage, many on social media are questioning if a documentary of a real event can be considered 'found footage'.

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

One user on X (formerly Twitter) described the documentary as 'both an exciting and terrifying new development in found footage as a genre'; however, they were promptly countered by others claiming that a documentary cannot be classified as found footage.

Another user replied, stating that 'found footage' implies a 'fictional narrative, designed to look like real footage taken by the characters', emphasizing: "This is a documentary."

Another person questioned: "Is it though?"

A third person responded: "I don't think y'all understand what the 'found footage' genre really is."

The original commenter then expanded on their point, arguing: "I'm tired of people saying a documentary can’t be a found footage film and vice versa! Found footage itself does not necessarily have to be fictional. It is simply a storytelling technique. You only think it’s mostly 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 shared screenshots from the 'found footage' Wikipedia page, which indicates that it can be used for documentary films, with another definition explaining it as the 'use of footage in a film previously made for another purpose'.

They further commented: "Additionally, enough with bringing up body language analysis videos featuring body cams! The purpose of those videos is to “inform” or “educate” people (though it’s mostly for entertainment). A film can present and interpret events in a more impartial manner.

"A film offers a personal perspective."

However, some people took issue with this portrayal of the story, expressing that it made them 'sick to my stomach' seeing Ajike Owens' murder presented as 'a Netflix found footage style production using bodycam video'.

While another described the concept as 'definitely compelling', they also expressed caution about treating police body cam footage as an objective lens.

The Perfect Neighbor debuts on October 17.