The acronyms CBK and JFK Jr. have undoubtedly taken the internet by storm these past weeks. In fact, Hulu’s “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette” became FX’s most-watched limited series ever. The nine-episode docudrama is all the rage, and with good reason. The series follows the tumultuous relationship between John F. Kennedy Jr., son of former president John F. Kennedy, and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. It is far from a fairytale love story, but that is what makes it so entertaining. By mixing volatile fights and vulnerable moments with heartwarming scenes and romantic dates, a perfect combination is cultivated.
Carolyn, played by Sarah Pidgeon, is a stylish, fiercely independent woman working at Calvin Klein. John, played by Paul Anthony Kelly, is considered the most eligible bachelor in New York City, and arguably, the world. When the two meet, sparks fly. Although their romantic relationship does not take off immediately, it is impossible to ignore the chemistry between them.
Once the two get together, a key element of their storyline is the extremely intense press coverage they receive. From paparazzi camping outside the couple’s apartment to mobs at every event they attend, the media essentially becomes the third person in their relationship, as Carolyn describes it. While John is used to this, it is an entirely new experience for Carolyn, who becomes overwhelmed and begins to spiral.
While tabloids and media scrutiny play a large role in the couple’s issues, there are many other tricky dynamics at play. From family expectations to devastating rumors, the two struggle to be on the same page up until their tragic deaths. Their dramatic fights come at just the right moments to keep viewers on the edge of their seats and baffled by some of the harsh words exchanged. Pidgeon comes out on top in these scenes, managing to successfully portray Carolyn’s fiery emotions, while Kelly falls short at a few points with his reactions and expressions.
Taking a journey back to the 1990s brings on nostalgia for many and gives some younger viewers a taste of the era. From the bustling streets of New York City to Carolyn’s Calvin Klein office to John’s iconic Tribeca loft apartment, the settings add depth to the series and paint a picture of what the decade was like. While the fashion also serves as a blast from the past, John and Carolyn consistently flaunt a style that is uniquely theirs. By featuring John’s baggy blazers and baseball caps as well as Carolyn’s simple yet elegant wardrobe, the costume department did an impressive job of prioritizing accuracy when it comes to what the two really wore.
However, accuracy is not prevalent in every aspect of the series. Many moments are dramatized for effect or fictionalized to fill gaps in the plot. As the couple is no longer alive, directors had no choice but to take some creative liberties when forming some scenes, but many question the ethics of this, and what the two would think of their lives being on display if they were still here today. Viewers were not the only ones with concerns, as Daryl Hannah, an actress who was in a long-term on-and-off relationship with John, was outraged by her portrayal in the series. Hannah denied specific scenes and actions, including drug use and self-absorbed behavior.
While it is important to recognize the inaccuracies in the series, creators never claimed it to be a documentary nor a flawless depiction. It was meant to capture the spirit of what really occurred and produce an intriguing, nostalgic story, which it does. From lighthearted boat days to public fights, each and every scene adds depth and is an integral piece of the series. “Love Story” takes viewers on an emotional experience, allowing them to ride the ups and downs of a high-pressure relationship right beside John and Carolyn.
