The 'Burbs

The 'Burbs

Year: 1989

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Joe Dante

MysteryThrillerComedy

In this suburban nightmare, Ray Peterson's peaceful getaway turns into a descent into chaos when the enigmatic Klopeks move in next door. As he digs deeper into the family's strange habits, Ray teams up with his eccentric friends to unravel the truth behind their sinister presence. But as the stakes rise and bodies start to disappear, Ray must confront the darkness lurking beneath his idyllic community.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The 'Burbs (1989)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The 'Burbs (1989). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The time period for the movie is contemporary to its 1989 release, reflecting a culture marked by suburban life and the interplay between domestic tranquility and underlying fears. This era showcases a blend of community values and emerging anxieties about privacy and safety within familiar settings.

Location

Suburb, Klopek residence, Weingartner house

The movie takes place in a typical suburban neighborhood, where the Klopek residence stands out due to its mysterious and unsettling aura. It's known for its close-knit community atmosphere, which is disrupted by the strange and suspicious activities surrounding the Klopeks' home. This suburb serves as a backdrop for the tension and paranoia that unfold among the residents.

🏡 Suburban 🏚️ Mystery

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:43

Main Characters – The 'Burbs (1989)
Meet the key characters of The 'Burbs (1989), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ray Peterson

Ray is a suburban man longing for a peaceful vacation that quickly turns into paranoia. He is observant and prone to suspicion, reflecting the anxieties of everyday life as he tries to uncover the truth about the bizarre Klopeks. His character oscillates between fear and determination.

🕵️‍♂️ Protagonist 😟 Suspicious 🏠 Family man

Art Weingartner

Art is Ray's friend and partner in the paranoid adventures surrounding the Klopek house. He provides comic relief while also fueling the group's suspicions, showcasing the blend of normality and absurdity in suburban friendships. His character embodies the lopsided balance of curiosity and naivety.

👨‍🤝‍👨 Friend 🤪 Comic relief ⚔️ Inquisitive

Carol Peterson

Carol is Ray's wife, who attempts to bring a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos. Her proactive approach underscores the balance of domesticity and mystery, highlighting the strain Ray’s paranoia places on their marriage. She represents the voice of reason amid escalating tensions.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Wife 🏆 Level-headed 💪 Supportive

Walter

Walter is the neighbor whose mysterious absence ignites Ray's suspicions about the Klopeks. His character adds depth to the narrative of disappearance and the community’s fears surrounding it, representing the frailty of suburban life when faced with uncommon dangers.

👴 Elderly neighbor 😷 Unwell 🔍 Mysterious

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:43

Major Themes – The 'Burbs (1989)
Explore the central themes of The 'Burbs (1989), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔍 Suspicion

Suspicion permeates the film as Ray and his friends become obsessed with uncovering the secrets behind the Klopek residence. Their paranoia reveals how easily trust can erode in close communities when faced with the unknown. The theme underscores the dangers of making snap judgments based on fear.

👻 Mystery

A sense of mystery looms over the Klopek household, creating an atmosphere rife with unease. The unknown drives the characters' actions and decisions, revealing their fears of what lies beyond the ordinary façade of suburban life. This theme highlights how curiosity can lead to dangerous discoveries.

🏡 Community

The film explores the complexities of suburban community life, highlighting the relationships and rivalries that exist among neighbors. It showcases both the camaraderie and the paranoia that can arise in close quarters, ultimately questioning the nature of community and belonging.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:43

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