HBO’s new docuseries “Neighbors,” directed by Harrison Fishman and Dylan Redford, takes viewers on a captivating journey through the ongoing disputes between eccentric property owners across the United States. Each episode begins with a dramatic zoom from outer space, bringing a focus to the quintessentially American fabric of neighborhood conflicts underscored by the presence of the red, white, and blue of the national flag.
The series explores a variety of gripping conflicts, from Manhattan apartments to ranches in Montana and suburban San Diego, showcasing the distinctly American obsession with homeownership. Fishman and Redford illustrate how individuals’ firm beliefs in their property rights inevitably lead them into clashes with others equally determined to assert their own claims. This characteristic is uniquely American, where property is perceived as a crucial aspect of self-identity, feeding into a culture that not only embraces ownership but also creates environments ripe for litigation and public spectacle.
“Neighbors” joins other notable HBO docuseries produced by the Safdie brothers, including “Telemarketers” and “Ren Faire.” With Josh Safdie producing solo alongside key collaborators, the show benefits from the Safdie touch, often featuring distinctive characters akin to those seen in their film “Uncut Gems.” While other productions may focus on a single figure, each episode of “Neighbors” delves into multiple individual disputes, showcasing a diverse tapestry of personalities and perspectives.
Casting director Harleigh Shaw plays a vital role in bringing these characters to life, unveiling fascinating individuals like a former stripper named “The Italian Stallion” in conflict over a lawn with a man who has a mobile Vietnam memorial, or a transgender ex-Orthodox Jew confronting a fellow resident. The conflicts often spill over to social media, where the individuals involved turn to platforms to voice their grievances, using personal surveillance devices to document their stories. This incorporation of technology underlines the series’ exploration of the blurred line between the real and the digital world.
The relatable human quirks driving these confrontations provide an engaging and comedic element, as many arguments arise from trivial disagreements. The series, however, does not shy away from the darker aspects of these frictions, highlighting stories that reflect unreasonable behavior and conflicting perspectives. The finale defies the show’s typical narrative style, shifting from outrageous disputes to a transformative character arc as a San Diego man considers joining a nudist community to avoid his neighborhood’s aggravations.
“Neighbors” serves as both a reflection of society’s penchant for conflict and a mirror to our own behaviors, suggesting that the level of irritation encountered in these narratives is a choice made by those involved. Audiences can look forward to this compelling series, which premieres on HBO and HBO Max on February 13 at 9 p.m. PT, with new episodes released weekly.