Actors Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon are John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette in Ryan Murphy’s new “Love Story” series, which premiered on Thursday, February 12th on FX, Hulu, and Disney+.
This limited series is a slow burner that explores the undeniable chemistry, whirlwind courtship, and high-profile marriage of one of the most iconic couples of the 20th century: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette.
It was created by Connor Hines, who also serves as a screenwriter and executive producer.
This marks the first installment in Ryan Murphy’s “Love Story” anthology and it was inspired by Elizabeth Beller’s book “Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy.”
The synopsis is: John F. Kennedy Jr. (Paul Anthony Kelly) was the closest thing to American royalty. The country watched him grow from a boy to a beloved bachelor and media sensation. Carolyn (Sarah Pidgeon) was a star in her own right.
Fiercely independent and with a singular style, she rose from being a sales assistant to a publicity executive at Calvin Klein, and became a trusted confidante of its eponymous founder.
As their love story unfolded on a national stage, the intense fame and media attention that came along with it threatened to rip them apart. The series charts the complex and heartbreaking journey of a couple whose private love became a national infatuation.
Sarah Pidgeon commands each scene she is in as Carolyn; she layers her emotions well, and her acting runs the gamut. The audience will feel for her and all that her character goes through in all of these compelling episodes. Paul Anthony Kelly is transformative as John F. Kennedy Jr. (he looks and acts the part to the tee).
As the two leads, they are not afraid to be raw and vulnerable, and they are able to humanize their complex characters, and introduce them to a younger generation of audiences.
Naomi Watts is a force of nature as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Without giving too much away, in the third episode, Watts will break the viewers’ hearts in a million pieces, where she recalls being “America’s Widow.” She is given Emmy-worthy material, and she nails it.
Noah Fearnley pulls off a true breakout performance as Michael Bergin, where he delivers subtle acting work that showcases his charm and charisma; moreover, Fearnley is given a nice arc that will resonate well with fans and viewers. It is evident that a star is born.
Meryl Streep’s daughter, Grace Gummer, is appealing as Caroline Kennedy, the older sister of John F. Kennedy Jr.
In the business executive positions, Michael Nathanson is intense as Michael Berman (the co-founder of George Magazine), while Alessandro Nivola embodies a young Calvin Klein.
In the limited screen time that they have, theater actors Sydney Lemmon and Erich Bergen are memorable as Lauren Bessette (Carolyn’s sister) and Anthony Radziwill (the cousin of John F. Kennedy Jr.) respectively.
The Verdict
Overall, “Love Story” is an engrossing new anthology series on the tragic life of John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. It should be enjoyed for its rawness, authenticity, and sincerity.
The writers and directors are able to give us a glimpse into both their public and private lives in a realistic and honest manner.
From a cast standpoint, the acting performances as a whole are noteworthy, and they are able to put viewers into a time warp, and take them back to the ’90s as they relive the life and love story of the late John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette. It was a true team effort, and it garners an A rating. Bravo.
