The Brat Pack’s iconic films like The Breakfast Club and Pretty in Pink often overshadowed St. Elmo’s Fire, which dared to depart from the typical high school themes. Released in 1985, St. Elmo’s Fire, directed by Joel Schumacher, proved a box-office success despite receiving mixed critical reviews. The film offered a nuanced portrayal of the relatable post-graduation struggles of the Brat Pack, focusing on a group of seven friends fresh out of college as they navigated the harsh realities of adulthood.
The characters, from diverse backgrounds, shared an unexpectedly genuine chemistry, reminiscent of The Breakfast Club. As friends matured and made mistakes, they confronted issues like infidelity, mental illness, and the challenges of adulthood. St. Elmo’s Fire cleverly captured the anti-yuppie sentiment of the time, where self-sufficient professionals were viewed as selfish and materialistic.
A Still From The Breakfast Club (Photo: The Breakfast Club)
Critics struggled to sympathize with the characters’ melodrama, condemning them as unredeemable and unlikeable. However, audiences found themselves in the film’s characters, making it a commercial success despite harsh criticism.
Despite the criticism, St. Elmo’s Fire humanized the Brat Pack, showcasing their versatility beyond high school roles. The film felt like a spiritual sequel to The Breakfast Club, thanks to the overlapping cast and release timing. Post-St. Elmo’s Fire, the cast members went on to enjoy diverse careers, with Demi Moore and Rob Lowe becoming household names. Andrew McCarthy recently reunited with the cast in his documentary Brats, aiming to provide a more nuanced portrayal of the group. Now streaming on Prime Video in the U.S., St. Elmo’s Fire offers a unique perspective on the Brat Pack’s growth and development beyond their high school days.
