St. Elmo's Fire

St. Elmo's Fire

Year: 1985

Runtime: 110 min

Language: English

Director: Joel Schumacher

DramaRomance

As youthful dreams give way to harsh realities, a quintet of recent college graduates navigate the minefield of adulthood, confronting disillusionment, passion, and identity crises along the way. From unfulfilled aspirations to unrequited love, their struggles to find their place in the world unfold with humor, heartache, and self-discovery.

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Timeline & Setting – St. Elmo's Fire (1985)
Explore the full timeline and setting of St. Elmo's Fire (1985). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1980s

The movie is set in the 1980s, a decade characterized by a sense of uncertainty among young adults transitioning into full-fledged adulthood. This period saw a distinctive cultural landscape defined by youthful recklessness, experimentation, and the pressure to establish personal and professional identities.

Location

St. Elmo's Bar, New York

St. Elmo's Bar serves as a central hub for the group of friends in the film. It is a lively, bustling location that becomes the backdrop for their reunions and pivotal moments. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, the bar is where the characters navigate their complexities in relationships and life choices.

🍸 Bar 🏙️ City

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:50

Main Characters – St. Elmo's Fire (1985)
Meet the key characters of St. Elmo's Fire (1985), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Wendy Beamish (Mare Winningham)

Wendy is portrayed as a compassionate and nurturing soul, often caught in the turmoil of her friends' lives. Her willingness to support Billy despite his reckless behavior reflects her insecurities and desire for love. Throughout the film, she showcases resilience as she confronts her own issues of self-worth and dependency.

👩‍🎓 Graduate ❤️ Compassionate 🎭 Supportive

William "Billy" Hicks (Rob Lowe)

Billy embodies the archetype of the charming yet irresponsible young man. His carefree attitude masks deeper issues of accountability and responsibility, particularly concerning his past relationships. As the film progresses, he is forced to face the consequences of his actions, leading to potential growth and transformation.

😎 Charismatic 🚨 Reckless 💔 Flawed

Alec Newberry (Judd Nelson)

Alec is ambitious and politically driven, but his insecurities reveal a sensitive side as well. His relationship with Leslie reflects his struggle between love and aspiration, creating tension that underscores the challenges of commitment. He embodies the complexities of young adult relationships woven with ambition.

🎓 Ambitious 😡 Frustrated 💌 Romantic

Kirby "Kirbo" Kegger (Emilio Estevez)

Kirby is characterized by his idealism and deep infatuation with Dale. His journey represents the struggle between youthful dreams and the harsh realities of adulthood. His attempts to reconnect with Dale serve as a poignant reminder of how childhood crushes evolve, often leading to disappointments.

✨ Idealistic 💘 Infatuated 🌟 Determined

Jules (Demi Moore)

Jules is a complex character battling her own demons, particularly with addiction and self-acceptance. Her decisions often reflect her desire for acceptance and recognition. Throughout the film, she seeks solace among her friends, illustrating the delicate balance between vulnerability and strength.

🦋 Vulnerable 💔 Struggling 🌪️ Chaotic

Leslie Hunter (Ally Sheedy)

Leslie is portrayed as introspective and conflicted, caught between her love for Alec and her own readiness for commitment. Her reluctance to engage in a marriage proposal reflects her uncertainty about loving someone deeply while considering her personal aspirations. She symbolizes the challenges of maintaining individuality in relationships.

🌼 Introspective 🫂 Conflicted 🏃‍♀️ Aspirational

Kevin Dolenz (Andrew McCarthy)

Kevin is depicted as the sensible one among the group, often acting as a mediator during conflicts. His relationship with Jules showcases the delicate nature of their past and present feelings. His character represents the voice of reason in a friend group often swayed by chaos and emotional turmoil.

🤔 Reasonable 🥺 Supportive 🎭 Mediator

Dale Bieberman (Andie MacDowell)

Dale is admired by Kirby, representing the idealized version of love many seek. As a doctor, she embodies success and independence, but her character also faces the challenges of balancing her career with personal relationships. Her presence becomes a significant influence on Kirby's narrative arc.

👩‍⚕️ Successful 🌹 Admired 🦸‍♀️ Independent

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:50

Major Themes – St. Elmo's Fire (1985)
Explore the central themes of St. Elmo's Fire (1985), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Love and Heartbreak

The theme of love and heartbreak is intricately woven into the narrative as the characters face romantic entanglements and disappointments. Billy's relationships with Wendy and his ex-wife raise questions about commitment and responsibility. The characters must navigate their emotional struggles, which reflect the complexities of love in young adulthood.

🤝 Friendship

Friendship is a prominent theme, showcasing the bonds that hold the group together despite their conflicting goals and desires. They support each other through challenges, while also grappling with jealousy and betrayal. The film highlights the importance of camaraderie in facing life's uncertainties together.

😩 Identity and Transition

As recent graduates, the characters grapple with their identities and the transition into adulthood. They face pressures and expectations that force them to confront their dreams, ambitions, and responsibilities. This theme emphasizes the struggle of finding one's place in the world amidst societal expectations.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 22:50

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