Review by AbbyElse
Headlining on Hulu, Disney+ and social media platforms, Ryan Murphy’s “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette” has repeatedly topped the charts with its weekly episodes. On Feb. 12, FX network immersed American royalty fans into a world of ’90s New York love, fashion and pop culture. The show builds off riveting romance, chaotic lives and a return to minimalistic fashion.

Paul Anthony Kelly and Sarah Pidgeon were cast to play John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and both did a phenomenal job at portraying these two iconic people. 

Together, they had the chance to emulate what was written in author Elizabeth Beller’s biography published May 21, 2024, “Once Upon a Time: The Captivating Life of Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.”

John Kennedy is a massive public figure, America’s “prince,” lawyer for the District Attorney’s office and magazine editor, whereas Bessette is a normal New York civilian who works as a publicist at Calvin Klein. I enjoyed getting to know what Bessette was like because there isn’t footage or recordings of her.

The two are introduced by Calvin Klein at a charity event. I loved how it didn’t feel like a normal woman was talking to this out-of-reach figure, but more just like two people who genuinely get along.

They had a rocky start because of fame and lifestyles, but I think that’s made the relationship work so well. She wasn’t going to make it easy for Kennedy or put him on a pedestal like his previous relationships might have.

Once the two finally get together, the paparazzi shatters their dream bubble. The front page of the New York Daily and the New York Post is a photo of her. Bessette finds the front page of the paper is a photo of her and Kennedy on their date. This was such a good way to show how quickly she was immersed into the public eye because watching it, I knew there wasn’t going to be a “perfect time” to release that type of news to the world, so I thought this was metaphorical. 

When he proposes to her, she initially declines, but accepts after a fight in Central Park and a serious conversation.

The fact that Kennedy randomly proposed to Bessette shocked me. They hadn’t spoken about it, so I understand why Bessette was hesitant to accept. 

The couple married in a small chapel in September 1996 in Georgia. Bessette wore an elegant, simple white dress paired with sheer white gloves and a simple bun for her hair-do. I was a huge fan of this iconic choice that paved the way for many future minimalistic fashion trends and wedding dress trends. This was my favorite episode, as I was obsessed with the southern chapel wedding vibes and the elegance of it all. 

Now, the media scrutiny levels up several notches. With constant media frenzy towards their marriage, I felt like I could notice her shift as a person. 

I felt hurt watching her not even being able to leave their home. The scenes where the camera panned to her with a somber tone in the background as she was looking out the window at the paparazmade me feel awful for how she was living her life. 

Murphy did an incredible job making the viewers feel attached to the characters. At this point, I almost didn’t want the finale to air, knowing how it ended.

On July 16, 1999, John F. Kennedy Jr., Carolyn Bessette Kennedy and Lauren Bessette, Carolyn’s sister, boarded a small plane that Kennedy flew. As the scene continued, the night sky grew darker. Suddenly, Kennedy couldn’t see where he was going and hazard signals kept blaring. The plane crashed and the three didn’t survive, marking a tragic and sob-inducing finale.

After watching this show, it made me want to explore the idea of visiting New York or having a creative career. It also made me even more interested in ’90s minimalistic fashion and crafty couture. 

People on social media have definitely taken a liking to Bessette’s and Kennedy’s style after watching. I have seen several videos of women trying to give off Carolyn Bessette Kennedy vibes by wearing jeans or casual slacks, a white or black solid top, a headband and sunglasses paired with long trench coats and a stylish hand bag.

Some men are taking after JFK Jr’s style  including T-shirts, khaki shorts, 90’s sneakers with crew socks, sunglasses and his signature backwards hat. Safe to say, they both had a pretty influential minimalistic style that has had a resurgence because of this show.

One of my favorite parts was the cinematography of this show. I was yearning for a time I wasn’t even alive to experience. The way Murphy captured New York in the ’90s with the restaurants, analog life, paparazzi and fashion was so stunning and cool.

 The soundtrack also made this show. With songs like “It Ain’t Over ‘Til It’s Over” by Lenny Kravitz, “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star, “No Ordinary Love” by Sade, “Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer, “Lover, You Should’ve Come Over” by Jeff Buckley and much more, emphasized the trendy and love story-esque vibe of this show.

In all, Murphy was able to encapsulate the aesthetic, the romance, the chaos and even the trendy fashion into a nine episode hit series that went 65 million hours of views.