Andrew McCarthy reflects on how he hated the Brat Pack in new documentary ‘Brats’

Andrew McCarthy in the documentary 'Brats' explores the Brat Pack label and how it impacted him.

Andrew McCarthy, known for his roles in "St. Elmo's Fire" and "Pretty in Pink," has directed a new documentary titled "Brats," which delves into his journey from hating the Brat Pack label to eventually embracing its legacy.

In 1985, Joel Schumacher’s "St. Elmo’s Fire" featured Emilio Estevez, Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy, and Demi Moore. This group was later dubbed the "Brat Pack" by journalist David Blum, whose article painted them as frivolous party-goers, altering their careers. 

McCarthy, who also starred in "Less Than Zero," initially resented Blum's article and distanced himself from the Brat Pack association. "I hated it when it first happened. I felt like it was stigmatizing and limiting," he noted. Over the years, his perspective changed, leading to his 2021 memoir and now the documentary "Brats."

In "Brats," McCarthy reflects on how his relationship with the Brat Pack label evolved. “How we relate to the experiences of our lives changes drastically over time,” he told IndieWire.

The documentary captures the cultural shift of the 1980s when Hollywood realized the commercial potential of youth-oriented films. McCarthy explained, "Hollywood discovered that kids go to the movies half a dozen times, grown-ups go once. Fuck the grown-ups, let’s make movies for kids."

"Brats" also explores how Blum’s article impacted the Brat Pack actors, causing them to avoid projects that would reunite them. Despite the initial resentment, McCarthy has grown to see the positive aspects of the Brat Pack legacy. “I and other members of the Brat Pack are the avatars of youth for a generation. They look at us with such affection because they see their own youths and project their coming of age and what a wondrous time it is on to us,” McCarthy said.

The film includes interviews with Brat Pack members and David Blum, providing a comprehensive view of the group's impact. McCarthy concluded, “People are still talking about ‘Pretty in Pink.’ John Hughes respected young people’s feelings and that’s why kids are still watching these movies. The hairdos are funny and the music is a little old-fashioned, but the emotional journeys are valid and the same as kids are having now.”