90s Icon’s Haunting Truth Unveiled

The new eight-part series, “Love Story,” delves into the lives of John F. Kennedy, Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and her sister, Lauren Bessette. The narrative begins as they board a plane destined for a Kennedy family wedding in Hyannis Port, moments before their tragic accident. Instead of detailing their untimely demise, the show intricately explores the couple’s 1990s romance, set against a backdrop of societal expectations and media scrutiny.

The 1990s Courtship of JFK, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette

During this era devoid of smartphones and social media, Carolyn Bessette emerged as a confident figure working at Calvin Klein. Meanwhile, JFK, Jr. navigated a highly publicized relationship with actress Daryl Hannah, portraying the pressure of his lineage. Their relationship unfolded in the public eye, leading to a perception of collective ownership over their love story.

Fashion Controversies and Authenticity

Upon the release of initial images of actress Sarah Pidgeon as Carolyn, fashion enthusiasts criticized the styling for resembling cosplay. Distinctions were made regarding Carolyn’s iconic handbag choices. Following this feedback, the production adjusted Pidgeon’s look, replacing a platinum wig with a more natural toffee blonde. Paul Kelly, portraying JFK, Jr., successfully adopted his character’s signature backwards cap.

Media Intrusion and Personal Struggles

Despite lacking family consent for the project, some, including JFK, Jr.’s nephew Jack Schlossberg, have raised concerns about the portrayal of their story as a money-making endeavor. The irony lies in the series’ focus on the harmful impact of media intrusion while transforming their lives into entertainment.

Giving Voice to Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy

Previously depicted through paparazzi images, Carolyn’s voice is given prominence in “Love Story.” She steps out of the shadows as a pivotal figure in fashion, having discovered supermodel Kate Moss and influenced Annette Bening to wear a men’s suit at the 1991 Bugsy premiere. The series highlights her significant contributions in guiding notable moments, including iconic covers for George magazine.

Women Taking Center Stage

Producer Ryan Murphy is known for centering narratives on influential women, evident in his previous works like “American Crime Story.” In “Love Story,” he showcases not only Carolyn but also JFK, Jr.’s mother, Jackie Onassis, portrayed by Naomi Watts, facing past demons, and Carolyn’s mother, Ann Messina, delivering a powerful wedding speech. Grace Gummer joins the cast as Caroline Kennedy, adding depth with her own experiences in a famous family.

“Love Story” aims to present a fresh perspective on the public narrative of JFK, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, ultimately giving a voice to an influential figure who deserves to be remembered beyond her marriage.