Andrew McCarthy’s new documentary, Brats, which premiered at the Tribeca Festival, takes a nostalgic and introspective look at the Brat Pack—a group of young actors who epitomized 1980s youth culture. Based on McCarthy’s memoir, Brat: An ’80s Story, the film offers a deep dive into the lives and careers of these actors who became emblematic of a generation. Through candid interviews and heartfelt reflections, McCarthy examines the legacy of the Brat Pack, a term coined by journalist David Blum in a 1985 New York magazine article. Blum’s playful reference to the Rat Pack of the 1950s and ’60s had long-lasting effects, shaping the public perception and personal identities of its members.
In Brats, McCarthy reunites with his fellow Brat Pack members—Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez, Jon Cryer, Lea Thompson, and Timothy Hutton—many of whom he hadn’t seen in over three decades. These reunions serve as a platform to explore what it meant to be part of this iconic group. McCarthy’s real-time narration throughout the documentary adds an immediate and personal touch, making the audience feel intimately involved in the journey.
The Brat Pack, known for their roles in films like The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo’s Fire, became synonymous with the exuberance and angst of 1980s youth. However, Blum’s article portrayed them as entitled and self-absorbed, a label that many of the actors found burdensome and reductive. McCarthy himself admits that the label overshadowed his work and exacerbated his insecurities, highlighting the gap between public perception and the actors’ realities. While fans saw a close-knit group of friends living glamorous lives, the actors themselves often felt confined by the Brat Pack moniker, which they believed trivialized their talents and limited their professional opportunities.
Brats delves into the varied ways this label impacted each actor. Timothy Hutton, whose early Oscar win for Ordinary People in 1981 is seen as a catalyst for the Brat Pack’s formation, viewed Blum’s article as a cynical and cheap shot. Emilio Estevez, often seen as the de facto leader of the Brat Pack, believed the label damaged their professional images. Ally Sheedy, who played the loner Allyson Reynolds in The Breakfast Club, saw the Brat Pack as a surrogate family but resented the constraints it imposed. Demi Moore, who was rebuilding her career after personal struggles, initially rejected the term but moved on more easily, possibly due to her later successes in Hollywood.
The film captures both the camaraderie and conflicts among the Brat Pack members. Rob Lowe and McCarthy reflect on how the term, despite its negative connotations, ultimately brought them closer together. However, not all members were eager to revisit the past; Judd Nelson and Molly Ringwald were notably absent from the film, each for their own reasons. Lea Thompson and Jon Cryer, who McCarthy describes as “Brat Pack adjacent,” had different reactions to the label—Thompson saw the Pack as the cool kids she wanted to join, while Cryer quickly sought to distance himself from it.
Brats also touches on the broader context of 1980s teen movies, highlighting their cultural impact and frequent actor crossovers. These films, particularly those by John Hughes, resonated deeply with audiences and achieved significant box office success. The documentary hints at the predominantly middle-class white narratives these movies presented but stops short of a thorough examination of race or class, missing a chance for a deeper discussion on how these stories impacted diverse communities.
The documentary’s casual filmmaking style, with scenes shot on iPhones and visible camera crews, lends an authentic and conversational tone. The rustic and natural look makes viewers feel like they are on set, sharing in McCarthy’s introspective journey. McCarthy directs the film like a series of personal journal entries, and the interactions with his former co-stars resemble a form of group therapy, offering a palpable sense of catharsis for those involved.
In a poignant moment, McCarthy confronts David Blum about his article. Blum reflects on his work, admitting he didn’t foresee its long-term impact but shows no regrets, likening his experience to that of a young journalist trying to make his mark. McCarthy’s skepticism suggests unresolved feelings, but he ultimately expresses a willingness to move on.
Brats is a heartfelt memoir and a meditation on the power of words and public perception. It provides a touching reminder of the lasting impact of labels and emphasizes the importance of understanding the people behind public personas.
Title: Brats
Festival: Tribeca Festival (World Premiere Spotlight)
Director: Andrew McCarthy
Cast: Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, Lea Thompson, Jon Cryer
Distributor: Hulu
Running Time: 1 hr 32 mins
