Brats, the recent hit documentary on Hulu by Andrew McCarthy, has shone a spotlight back onto the Brat Pack era, making waves among both new and long-time fans. A critical reflection on the group of young actors from the ’80s, the film has not only rekindled interest in their movies but also sparked discussions about potential continuations of these iconic stories.
Directed and narrated by McCarthy, who was among the core members of this youthful ensemble, Brats
explores what it meant to be part of this famed collective. Through a mix of interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, McCarthy recounts how they were perceived as kryptonite for each other
, yet paradoxically never truly functioning as a formal group. The documentary delves into how appearing in milestone films such as John Hughes’ The Breakfast Club and Joel Schumacher’s St. Elmo’s Fire cemented their legacy in pop culture. However, McCarthy insists that we were never truly a centralized pack
.
St. Elmo’s Fire, particularly, has seen a resurgence in viewership since the release of the documentary. Originally directed by Schumacher and starring Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Judd Nelson, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, and McCarthy himself, this 1985 coming-of-age drama follows a group of recent Georgetown graduates grappling with adulthood. Despite its initial mixed reviews — some noting the flaws of its occasionally unlikable characters — it grossed over $37 million and is now finding a new audience on platforms like Hulu and Pluto TV.
Interestingly, there are ongoing talks about revisiting St. Elmo’s Fire. Given the film’s lasting impression and rising popularity post-documentary
, Sony Pictures is reported to be considering a sequel. However, this would highly depend on successfully reuniting the original cast members — an endeavor that wasn’t fully realized even for the documentary itself.
The broader impact of Brats lies not just in reviving individual movies like St. Elmo’s Fire, but in reigniting appreciation for the entire Brat Pack phenomenon — from its sassy portrayal in films to setting benchmarks for future teen-centric dramas. As we revisit these films through a modern lens, it’s essential to reflect on their cultural significance without letting contemporary critiques overshadow their original charm. As one commentator said, Criticizing St. Elmo’s Fire for not living up to modern social standards can sometimes feel harsh, but it can also act as a point of reflection that should not diminish the love for the original work.
So while Brats addresses that blurred line between myth and reality surrounding the Brat Pack, what remains undeniable is their indelible mark on cinema and pop culture. Whether through remakes or nostalgic revisits like those currently popular on streaming platforms, their stories continue to evoke emotions and ignite curiosity about what made these actors’ triumphs – and tribulations – so iconic.
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