This article contains mentions of suicide.
Summary
The 2024 Hulu documentaryBratsreminds people of the glory days when the Brat Pack (actors who appeared in coming-of-age 1980s films, primarilyThe Breakfast ClubandSt. Elmo’s Fire) dominated Hollywood, including Timothy Hutton’s movieOrdinary People. Some might not consider Huttona member of the Brat Pack, but a few lists include more people than the group’s eight core stars, and Hutton is linked to that bigger ensemble. Plus,Bratsfeatures interviews with Hutton and discusses his 1980 drama filmOrdinary People,so, it is safe to say that Hutton is at least an honorary Brat.
The main members of the Brat Pack are Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Rob Lowe, Andrew McCarthy (who directed the Hulu documentaryBrats), Demi Moore, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, and Ally Sheedy.
Aside from Hutton,Bratson Hulu includes interviews with Andrew McCarthy (the director of the documentary), Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, and more. They reminisce about being called theBrat Pack (a term they hated in the 1980s)and how it shaped their careers. AstheBratstrailerreveals, many young actors and actresses wanted to be associated with the Brat Pack, while those already involved wanted to shirk the name. Nevertheless,Hutton’s role inOrdinary Peopleawarded him membership to the exclusive club.
Ordinary People Was Released In 1980
The Drama Was Directed By Robert Redford
Ordinary People, directed by Robert Redford and written by Alvin Sargent, is based on Judith Guest’s 1976 book of the same name. The drama filmfollows a wealthy family in the Chicago suburbs that is rocked by the accidental death of one son, Buck, and the attempted suicide of another, Conrad, played byLeveragestar Timothy Hutton. Aside from Hutton, the cast includes Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, and Judd Hirsch.
Ordinary Peoplewon four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director for Robert Redford, Best Adapted Screenplay for Alvin Sargent, and Best Supporting Actor for Timothy Hutton. Since Hutton was 20 years old at the time, he became the youngest recipient of the Best Supporting Actor Oscar and holds that record to this day.
Following the theatrical release ofOrdinary Peopleon July 18, 2025,the movie became a critical and commercial success.Critics commended the cast’s performances (especially Hutton’s), Redford’s work on his feature directorial debut, and Sargent’s harrowing screenplay adapted from Guest’s novel. Meanwhile,Ordinary Peoplegrossed $90 million against a $6 million budget, making it a box office success.
Why Molly Ringwald & Judd Nelson Aren’t In The Brat Pack Documentary
Andrew McCarthy’s Brats documentary features several key Brat Pack alum, leading many to wonder why Molly Ringwald and Judd Nelson don’t appear.
Ordinary People Is Currently Available On Max, Hulu, & Prime Video
The 1980s Movie Is Very Accessible
For those who haven’t seenOrdinary Peopleor want to watch it again after viewingHulu’s Brat Pack documentary, the 1980 movie is quite accessible. It is available to stream on Max, as well as Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, albeit through a membership with Max.Ordinary Peoplecan also be rented or bought through Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Fandango at Home.
