Netflix's new anthology docuseries, 'Worst Neighbor Ever,' from Blumhouse, the producers behind 'Worst Ex Ever' and 'Worst Roommate Ever,' examines disputes between neighbors that have erupted into violence. The series employs a format that includes interviews with individuals involved in the cases and law enforcement, interspersed with animated reenactments.
The opening narration sets a grim tone, suggesting that ordinary neighborly disagreements can escalate to fatal consequences. The inaugural episode focuses on a 2018 incident in Mount Sterling, Kentucky, involving Frances Zaayer and her neighbors, Shawna and David Scott.
The Mount Sterling Incident
After a year of making what were described as paranoid calls about the Scotts, Zaayer reportedly shot both of them. David Scott was killed, and Shawna Scott sustained a gunshot wound to the face. Shawna Scott, the primary interviewee for the episode, recounted how she and David moved to Mount Sterling to be near her father, who lived next door to the property Zaayer eventually purchased. Shawna and Zaayer had a history, with Zaayer having been a family friend in the 1980s. Zaayer stayed with the Scotts while her own house was being built, and initially, she and Shawna reportedly got along well.
However, the relationship reportedly soured when Zaayer showed the Scotts a YouTube video expressing anti-Muslim sentiments. This, combined with what the Scotts perceived as her 'resting bitch face' and an incident where Zaayer yelled at Shawna's grandson, contributed to growing tension. After moving into her home, Zaayer's alleged harassment of the Scotts intensified. Shawna Scott reported that Zaayer made 911 calls over perceived violations of protection orders and other alleged offenses. Zaayer also reportedly claimed that David Scott, who worked part-time as a jailer, received preferential treatment due to his profession.
Series Format and Tone
'Worst Neighbor Ever' adopts a straightforward storytelling approach, aiming to build tension by presenting the backstory of the involved parties while highlighting the escalating conflicts. The series utilizes animated reenactments, described as a refreshing change of pace within the true-crime genre, though the animation style has been compared to 1970s cartoons. The production aims to balance the narrative development with the mounting sense of dread leading to the violent outcomes.
Shawna Scott's account of her experiences, surgeries, and trauma following the shooting is featured prominently. The series concludes with a tribute to David Scott, remembering his positive demeanor.
The show's creators, Blumhouse, are known for similar docuseries like 'Worst Ex Ever' and 'Worst Roommate Ever.' The series has been described as a darker take on the theme of neighborly conflict, echoing elements found in HBO's docuseries 'Neighbors.'