St. Elmo’s Fire is the iconic 1985 coming-of-age drama directed by Joel Schumacher, a cornerstone of the “Brat Pack” era featuring young stars like Demi Moore, Rob Lowe, and Emilio Estevez. Written by Schumacher and Carl Kurlander, it captures the raw transition from college to adulthood in the excess-driven 1980s. The film was originally released on June 28, 1985, by Columbia Pictures, grossing $37.8 million domestically on a $10 million budget—solid for its time, though mixed reviews called it glossy yet superficial. It holds a 6.4/10 on IMDb (from 50.7K ratings) and 42% on Rotten Tomatoes (critics) with 81% audience score, praised for its relatable themes of friendship, ambition, and heartbreak amid a killer soundtrack by David Foster (including hits like “Love Theme from St. Elmo’s Fire” by John Parr).
In 2025, it’s back with a bang: A 40th anniversary 4K restoration re-release hits theaters nationwide starting October 17, 2025 (just one day after the current date), courtesy of Fandango and partners like AMC and Regal. This limited run celebrates the Brat Pack’s legacy, with enhanced visuals and audio for big-screen immersion. Fans are buzzing, especially with Rob Lowe confirming a sequel is in early development—script being perfected, potentially reuniting the original cast to explore where these characters are 40 years later (midlife crises, anyone?). No streaming for the re-release yet, but the original is available on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and Tubi. Clocking in at 110 minutes, it’s rated R for language, drug use, and sexual content—perfect for a nostalgic watch.
Full Story
Set in Washington, D.C., the film follows a tight-knit group of seven Georgetown University graduates navigating the messy realities of post-college life. Their hub is St. Elmo’s Bar, a lively spot symbolizing their lingering youth amid growing pains. The narrative weaves interconnected vignettes exploring love, betrayal, ambition, and self-destruction, without a traditional plot arc—mirroring life’s unpredictability.
- Kirby Keger (Emilio Estevez): A waiter with law school dreams, he’s obsessively pursuing Dale (Andie MacDowell), an older medical student he once had a crush on. His arc involves drastic changes (like quitting his job) to win her, highlighting unrequited love and identity crises.
- Billy Hicks (Rob Lowe): The group’s charismatic saxophonist and party boy, married with a kid but irresponsible—cheating, job-hopping, and spiraling into addiction. His story tackles immaturity and the pressure to grow up.
- Kevin Dolenz (Andrew McCarthy): A cynical aspiring writer and journalist, secretly pining for Leslie while dealing with his own emotional walls. He represents quiet desperation and unspoken desires.
- Julian “Jules” Van Patten (Demi Moore): The glamorous but fragile party girl, masking deep insecurities with drugs, affairs, and materialism. Her breakdown scene is a raw highlight, showing the dark side of 1980s excess.
- Alec Newbary (Judd Nelson): Ambitious political aide climbing the ladder, he’s controlling and unfaithful to Leslie, pressuring her into marriage while cheating. His arc exposes hypocrisy and career obsession.
- Leslie Hunter (Ally Sheedy): Alec’s level-headed girlfriend, an architect seeking independence before commitment. She uncovers Alec’s infidelity, leading to self-discovery.
- Wendy Beamish (Mare Winningham): The sweet, virginal social worker from a wealthy family, struggling for autonomy while in a one-sided romance with Billy. Her story focuses on self-worth and breaking free.
St. Elmo’s Fire (1985) – 40th Anniversary Re-Release (2025)
The group faces highs (wild parties, budding romances) and lows (infidelity, financial woes, a near-suicide attempt by Jules). Key moments include Billy’s reckless antics causing chaos, Kirby’s awkward pursuit turning creepy, and a group intervention that forces confrontations. The film ends ambiguously: No tidy resolutions, but hints of maturity as they drift apart yet remain bonded. It’s a snapshot of 20-something angst—drugs, sex, loyalty tests—soundtracked by synth-pop anthems, evoking nostalgia for anyone who’s ever felt lost after graduation.
Themes of friendship’s evolution and adulthood’s harsh truths make it timeless, influencing later films like Reality Bites (1994). Trivia: The title refers to the weather phenomenon “St. Elmo’s fire,” symbolizing illusory hope; the bar is fictional but inspired real spots; Andie MacDowell’s role was panned, but the ensemble shines.
Full Cast and Crew
The “Brat Pack” label stuck due to this film’s ensemble, boosting careers for many.
Main Cast:
- Emilio Estevez as Kirby Keger: The determined dreamer (known from The Breakfast Club).
- Rob Lowe as Billy Hicks: The charming screw-up (post-The Outsiders breakout).
- Andrew McCarthy as Kevin Dolenz: The introspective one (from Pretty in Pink).
- Demi Moore as Jules Van Patten: The vulnerable diva (pre-Ghost fame).
- Judd Nelson as Alec Newbary: The slick yuppie (also The Breakfast Club).
- Ally Sheedy as Leslie Hunter: The grounded voice (from WarGames).
- Mare Winningham as Wendy Beamish: The innocent idealist (Oscar-nominee for Georgia).
- Andie MacDowell as Dale Biberman: Kirby’s obsession (early role before Groundhog Day).
- Martin Balsam as Mr. Beamish: Wendy’s overbearing father.
- Joyce Van Patten as Mrs. Beamish: Wendy’s mother.
Supporting Cast:
- Jenny Wright as Felicia (Billy’s wife), Jon Cutler as Howie Krantz, and various cameos.
Crew:
- Director: Joel Schumacher (The Lost Boys, Batman Forever).
- Writers: Joel Schumacher & Carl Kurlander.
- Producers: Lauren Shuler Donner.
- Cinematographer: Stephen H. Burum.
- Composer: David Foster (instrumental score with pop tracks).
- Editor: Richard Marks.
- Based on: Original screenplay inspired by Schumacher’s experiences.
