Suburbia

Suburbia

Year: 1984

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: Penelope Spheeris

DramaThriller

A restless teenager, feeling trapped by the constraints of suburban life, escapes to find acceptance and camaraderie with a group of punk rockers. This journey forces him to confront the complexities of rebellion and self-discovery as he searches for his place in a world that feels increasingly alien. The experience challenges his understanding of belonging and tests the limits of his personal identity.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Suburbia (1984)

Trace every key event in Suburbia (1984) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Sheila's Runaway Journey Begins

A teenage runaway named Sheila starts her journey by hitchhiking along Interstate 605 in the Greater Los Angeles Area. Seeking freedom from her past, she hopes for a new beginning in life.

Interstate 605, Greater Los Angeles Area
2

The Tragic Incident

Sheila is picked up by a woman traveling with her toddler, creating a brief moment of hope. However, their journey takes a horrific turn when a flat tire leads them to a telephone booth, where a stray dog attacks the toddler, resulting in tragedy.

Abandoned Housing District
3

Evan Escapes His Home

Another teenage runaway, Evan Johnson, escapes from his troubled home marked by his mother's alcoholism. His desperation drives him to seek solace outside the confines of his suburban life.

Evan's Suburban Home
4

Punk Rock Concert Chaos

Evan attends a punk rock concert where he is targeted for illicit drugs that are slipped into his drink. As the situation spirals out of control, he witnesses a female attendee assaulted by rowdy punks, forcing him to flee in terror.

Punk Rock Concert Venue
5

Finding Refuge at T.R. House

Evan encounters Jack Diddley, who offers him a place at T.R. House, a shelter for misfits in a desolate area. The atmosphere is unconventional, marked by practices like branding residents, but Evan sees it as a chance at belonging.

T.R. House
6

Joe Joins the Group

Joe Schmo initially hesitates to join T.R. House due to its peculiar practices, including branding. After, he grapples with his father's homosexuality and his new relationship, he ultimately decides to embrace the community by accepting the brand.

T.R. House
7

The Patrols Begin

In the aftermath of the toddler's tragic death, a group known as 'Citizens Against Crime' begins patrolling the area. Jim Tripplett and Bob Skokes are among them, looking to hunt down the wild dogs and exact revenge.

Abandoned Housing District
8

Confrontation with Citizens

Tensions escalate as the T.R. kids confront Jim and Bob during their patrols. The situation becomes tense, but Jack's stepfather, a police officer, diffuses the conflict momentarily, providing a temporary sense of safety.

Neighborhood Streets
9

Evan's Family Crisis

Evan learns that his mother has been arrested for drunk driving, pushing him to retrieve his younger brother Ethan from a foster home. Taking him to T.R. House, where Sheila gives Ethan a trendy mohawk, they begin to form a new family.

Foster Home, T.R. House
10

Brawl at the T.S.O.L. Concert

At a T.S.O.L. concert, the group becomes embroiled in a brawl while trying to defend Skinner. The situation worsens when a security guard is stabbed, and the T.R. kids are framed for the crime, further complicating their lives.

T.S.O.L. Concert Venue
11

Escalating Tensions and Assault

A community meeting erupts with accusations against the police regarding their inaction towards the teens. This leads to a violent invasion of T.R. House by Jim and Bob, resulting in a harrowing assault on Sheila that leaves the group in shock.

T.R. House
12

Sheila's Overdose

In the wake of the turmoil, Sheila tragically succumbs to an overdose of drugs, devastating her friends. The group resolves to return her remains to her parents, but the situation at her funeral escalates into violence, revealing their deep scars of abuse.

Sheila's Funeral
13

The Final Warning

Amid chaos at a Vandals concert, Bill warns the kids that they must leave T.R. House to avoid further conflict with the Citizens Against Crime. Despite his pleas, they decide to stay, believing they can resist the turmoil.

Vandals Concert
14

Tragic Loss of Ethan

The situation culminates in tragedy when Ethan is accidentally killed by a car driven by Jim and Bob, leaving Evan devastated. Grief-stricken, he cradles his brother's lifeless body, a poignant symbol of their struggle and loss.

Neighborhood Streets
15

A Harrowing Reality

The series of events underscores the harsh realities faced by these struggling youths as they navigate survival, grief, and the complexities of their intertwined lives. Their journey reflects the impact of abandonment, violence, and community in their desperate search for love and belonging.

Last Updated: November 04, 2024 at 01:01

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Suburbia Summary

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Suburbia Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Suburbia

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Suburbia

More About Suburbia

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More About Suburbia

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