Suburbia Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Kids with questionable hairstyles squat in condemned houses, get branded, and then tragedy strikes, all because suburbanites just can’t handle the punk rock lifestyle; it’s basically a really depressing episode of ‘The Real World’.

🍿 Suburbia: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Leaving Suburbia

The film opens with a stark contrast: a toddler is killed by a stray dog in a suburban area, highlighting the dangers lurking beneath the facade of a perfect life. Simultaneously, Evan, feeling alienated from his alcoholic mother, decides to leave home. Both events set the stage for a story about societal rejection and the search for belonging.

Joining the T.R.s

Evan finds himself at a punk rock concert, where he meets Jack, who offers him a place to stay at T.R. House, a squat for rejected youth. There, he encounters a group of outcasts, including Sheila, Joe, and Razzle, who have formed their own unconventional family. The T.R.s represent a counter-culture response to the perceived failings of mainstream society.

Conflict with the Community

The T.R.s clash with the local ‘Citizens Against Crime,’ who see them as a menace. Their petty crimes and rebellious attitude exacerbate the tension. The conflict escalates as the vigilante group takes matters into their own hands, leading to violence and tragedy.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Evan Johnson (Bill Coyne): Evan is a teenage runaway escaping a troubled home life who finds acceptance with the punk rock group, The Rejected.
• Jack Diddley (Chris Pedersen): Jack is the charismatic leader of The Rejected, offering a sense of belonging to the other disenfranchised youths.
• Sheila (Jennifer Clay): Sheila is a hitchhiking runaway and Joe’s girlfriend, struggling with a history of abuse and deep emotional pain.
• Joe Schmo (Wade Walston): Joe is a member of The Rejected who grapples with his sexuality and forms a close bond with Sheila.
• Razzle (Flea): Razzle is a rambunctious member of The Rejected, known for his wild energy and punk attitude.
• Jim Tripplett (Lee Frederick): Jim is a member of the Citizens Against Crime, representing the intolerant suburban community’s hostility towards The Rejected.
• Officer William Rennard (Donald V. Allen): Officer Rennard, Jack’s stepfather, is a police officer caught between his duty to uphold the law and his concern for the safety of The Rejected.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jack Diddley: “Chicken shit, chicken butt!” – A typical punk expression of defiance and contempt.
• Jack Diddley: “You can’t sleep in the grass, the snails will crawl in your face.” – Jack’s sardonic advice to new members on the realities of living on the streets.
• Sheila: “We’re all just garbage.” – Sheila’s bleak outlook on life, reflecting the despair and alienation of the characters.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1,000,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Suburbia Reviews

Personal Review

I first saw ‘Suburbia’ as a teenager, and it hit me hard. The feeling of being an outsider, the sense of community among the ‘rejects,’ it all resonated with me. The ending is a gut-punch, and even now, it still makes me a little emotional. It is a movie about finding your place in a world that doesn’t want you.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of punk rock music and culture”
  • “Viewers interested in social commentary and coming-of-age stories”
  • “Those who appreciate independent films with raw and realistic portrayals of youth subcultures”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Suicide”
  • “Disturbing content (animal death)”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief Nudity”

Professional Reviews

• IndieFilmMonthly: “Spheeris captures the raw energy of the early ’80s punk scene, even if the narrative feels a bit disjointed. The performances are authentic, thanks to the casting of real punks, making it a valuable time capsule.
• PunkCinemaReview: “Less polished than ‘Repo Man’ but equally compelling, ‘Suburbia’ shows the darker side of the punk dream. The soundtrack alone is worth the price of admission, a ferocious mix of early hardcore.
• The Suburban Observer: “A grim depiction of teenage angst and suburban decay, ‘Suburbia’ is a tough watch. While the film aims for authenticity, the amateur acting and bleak storyline make it a slog.

Audience Reactions

Raw and unapologetic portrayal of punk life.: Viewers praise the film’s realistic depiction of the early 80s punk scene, highlighting the performances of the non-professional actors.

Depressing but essential viewing for punk fans.: Many agree that despite the film’s grim subject matter, it remains a powerful and important document of a specific subculture and time.

Overall Consensus: A gritty and authentic portrayal of teenage alienation and the punk subculture of the early 80s, despite its flaws, the film offers a valuable and often heartbreaking look at a group of marginalized youth.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Penelope Spheeris cast real punk rockers instead of seasoned actors to enhance the film’s authenticity.”
• “Flea, the bassist for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, made his film debut in ‘Suburbia’ as Razzle.”
• “The movie was filmed on a low budget, contributing to its raw and gritty aesthetic.”

🖥️ How to Watch Suburbia?

As of now, ‘Suburbia’ (1984) is available for purchase on platforms such as Amazon. Check streaming services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies for rental or purchase options, as availability may vary.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Suburbia, you might like these similar films:

• The Decline of Western Civilization (1981): Directed by Penelope Spheeris, this documentary provides a raw and authentic look at the Los Angeles punk rock scene, similar to the setting and characters in ‘Suburbia’.
• River’s Edge (1986): Explores themes of youth alienation and moral apathy in a suburban setting, akin to the sense of disillusionment in ‘Suburbia’.
• Kids (1995): Presents a controversial and unflinching look at the lives of teenagers dealing with issues of sex, drugs, and aimlessness, sharing thematic elements with ‘Suburbia’ but in a later generation.

🛒 Suburbia Related Products

• The Decline of Western Civilization (DVD): Experience Penelope Spheeris’s groundbreaking documentary trilogy that explores the Los Angeles punk, metal, and gutter punk scenes, offering an unfiltered look at rebellious youth culture.
• Punk ’80s: An Oral History: Dive into the heart of the 1980s punk scene with this comprehensive oral history, featuring interviews with musicians, artists, and fans who shaped the era. Experience a firsthand account of one of the most defining music movements of the decade.
• DIY Punk Patches Set: Personalize your clothes, bags, and accessories with this DIY punk patches set. Express your rebellious spirit with edgy designs and custom creations.
• Doc Martens: Step out in style with the iconic Doc Martens, a symbol of punk rock culture. Known for their durability and unique design, these boots will elevate any look with a rebellious edge.

🎧 Soundtrack

Suburbia features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Richard Hung Himself” – performed by D.I.
• “I Don’t Need Society” – performed by D.I.
• “Violent Love” – performed by T.S.O.L.
• “The Legend of Pat Brown” – performed by The Vandals

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

TSOL (SUBURBIA) DARKER MY LOVE & WASH AWAY IN HD

Want to relive the raw punk energy of ‘Suburbia’? Check out TSOL’s killer performance in this HD clip – it’s like being right there in the mosh pit, and honestly, their music is so good!

SUBURBIA ~ SUPERMARKET SCENE

Ever wondered what a punk rock supermarket run looks like? This hilarious clip from ‘Suburbia’ shows just that – it’s pure chaos and comedy gold, you won’t regret watching this!

✨ Rate