The group of friends in St. Elmo's Fire are all struggling to find their place in the world after graduating from college. Jules is a party girl who is struggling with addiction and trying to make it as a real estate agent. Billy is a musician who can't seem to get his career off the ground. Wendy is a social worker who is still in love with Billy, but he doesn't reciprocate her feelings.
As the group tries to navigate their way through post-college life, tensions and secrets start to surface. Leslie has a crush on Kevin, but he is in love with an older woman who is married. Alec cheats on Leslie with a married woman and struggles with his conflicting political and personal beliefs. Kirby tries to help Jules with her addiction, but his own romantic problems get in the way.
The film examines the challenges of growing up and finding oneself, while also exploring the complexities of friendship and love. St. Elmo's Fire was a popular coming-of-age movie in the 1980s, and its themes continue to resonate with audiences today.