There is a psychological phenomenon that has come to be known as the , which refers to the brain’s ability to recall memories from adolescence more powerfully than those from other periods. Researchers say this “bump” can apply to experiences (a first kiss, a first dance), books, art, music—which may explain why my Spotify most-played list has many of the same tracks I was listening to on repeat in high school. And film is subject to this reminiscence bump too: The ones we see in adolescence have an indelible impact that doesn’t fade as the years go by.
“The things that happen when you’re young go deep,” says Andrew McCarthy, narrating one scene in his compelling which premieres on Hulu this week. The movie’s intention is to delve into the aftershocks that being snarkily christened the “Brat Pack” in a had on McCarthy and his fellow actors. What emerges is a heartfelt look back at films that not only defined a generation, but transcended it, and the enduring connection unwittingly shared by a group of poster children for young Hollywood in the ’80s.
Though the actors who make up the so-called pack have never been explicitly listed (and, in the documentary, it’s a topic that’s up for debate), most agree that the core members are Andrew McCarthy, Emilio Estevez, , Ally Sheedy, Judd Nelson, Rob Lowe, Anthony Michael Hall, and Demi Moore. The group would overlap in a number of films: , and, perhaps most emblematic of the “Pack” spirit, . “If you .
