St. Elmo's Fire (1985)
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A group of recent college graduates navigate the complexities of adulthood and personal relationships in the wake of graduation.
The story
Following their graduation from Georgetown University, a group of friends faces the daunting transition into adulthood. The narrative follows the clique as they navigate various personal crises, including career struggles, romantic complications, and the search for identity. The story centers on their interactions at their favorite local hangout, St. Elmo's Bar, as they confront the realities of their changing lives and the challenges of maintaining their friendships while pursuing individual paths in a post-university world.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Recent Georgetown University graduates Alec, Leslie, Kevin, Jules, and Kirby face the challenges of post-college life. After a car accident involving Billy, the group gathers at St. Elmo's Bar. Internal conflicts emerge: Alec pressures Leslie to marry him, while Kirby pines for an intern named Dale. Relationships fracture as Jules's affair is revealed and Alec's infidelity is exposed. Amidst these tensions, Billy struggles with his role as a father and husband. The plot follows their individual journeys: Wendy seeks independence, Jules faces a mental breakdown after being fired, and Kirby pursues a connection with Dale at a ski lodge. The film culminates in a final gathering where the group reflects on their journeys, ultimately deciding to move forward into their respective futures.
- First release year
- 1985
- Runtime (minutes)
- 108
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Joel Schumacher
- Writers
- Joel Schumacher · writer; Carl Kurlander · writer
- Cast and characters
- Rob Lowe; Demi Moore; Emilio Estevez; Ally Sheedy; Judd Nelson; Mare Winningham; Andrew McCarthy; Martin Balsam; Andie MacDowell
- Genres
- coming-of-age; drama; romance
- Themes
- coming-of-age; friendship; adulthood
- Premise and plot tags
- Brat Pack; ensemble cast
- Content notes
- premarital sex
- Reported review scores
- Rotten Tomatoes · score: 44% · scale: percentage · review count: 48; Metacritic · score: 35 · scale: 100 · review count: 15
- Awards and nominations
- Golden Raspberry Award · Worst Supporting Actor · 6th Golden Raspberry Awards · win
- Production trivia
- The film was dubbed 'The Little Chills' in reference to 'The Big Chill'.; The term 'Brat Pack' was coined by David Blum after meeting the cast.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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