Brats

 

BRATS (2024)

Unpacking the Stigma of the "Brat Pack" Moniker

★★☆☆☆

An uneven examination that lightly scratches the surface of 80s stardom without delivering deep insight.

Directed by Andrew McCarthy, BRATS is an uneven examination of the group of actors famously labeled "The Brat Pack" by a notorious 1985 New York Magazine article. McCarthy attempts to unpack the lasting effects and stigma of being lumped into this non-existent social peer group. While he visits icons like Emilio Estevez, Demi Moore, and Rob Lowe, the exploration often feels slightly pretentious or self-pitying. It is a justifiable exercise given the cultural weight of films like The Breakfast Club and St. Elmo's Fire, but it lacks the meaningful depth a different directorial approach might have uncovered.

"The real lost opportunity is missing out on seeing a group reunion of the performers all together... in the small, solo settings the examination comes off at best, slightly pretentious and at worst, self-pitying."

— Ray Manukay

🎬 Cast & Crew

• Director: Andrew McCarthy
• Featuring: Emilio Estevez, Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, Ally Sheedy
• Special Appearance: David Blum (Writer of the original article)
• Platform: Hulu

The Vision

Andrew McCarthy’s vision is deeply personal, framed as a journey to reconcile with his own past. He focuses on the "trauma" of the label—being belittled or losing out on prestigious roles—but the film eventually admits the moniker has evolved into a badge of merit. Unfortunately, by keeping the interviews to intimate, one-on-one settings, the film misses the electric potential of a group dynamic. It treats these 1980s touchstones as important time capsules, yet fails to provide an insightful or particularly entertaining narrative for the very generation that grew up with them.

🎬 Cinephile Fun Facts

• The Missing Members: Notably absent from the new interviews are Molly Ringwald and Judd Nelson, whose lack of participation highlights the lingering divisiveness of the "Brat Pack" label.
• The Original Sin: The documentary features a face-to-face meeting between McCarthy and David Blum, the journalist who coined the term, marking their first conversation in nearly 40 years.
• Hulu Hit: Despite critical mixed reviews, the documentary became a massive viewership success, proving the enduring allure of John Hughes-era nostalgia.

✅ Pros

• Fascinating to see 80s icons reflecting on their youth.
• Highlights the cultural importance of 1980s youth time capsules.
• The confrontation with the original article's author is a highlight.

❌ Cons

• Missing the "big win" of a full cast reunion.
• Can feel self-pitying given the actual advantages of their fame.
• Surface-level analysis that lacks genuine industry insight.

🏆 Final Verdict

A nostalgic but ultimately shallow walk down memory lane. BRATS is worth a watch for the sheer 80s pedigree, but it leaves you wishing for a more meaningful examination of its famous subjects.

View original review on Letterboxd