A good watch overall is how I feel about Love Story – John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette, a nine-part series about one of the most iconic couples of the 1990s.

It’s just aspects of the final two or three episodes that proved a little tedious and taxing, largely because they focus on the couple at their most miserable. That stretch also made me feel the series did not need to be nine episodes long. Eight could have been enough. Furthermore, I didn’t like the frequent cuts to black after key scenes, even though I understand why that choice was made.

Starring Paul Anthony Kelly, Sarah Pidgeon, Alessandro Nivola, and Naomi Watts, the cast delivers strong performances throughout. Love Story may have lost some of its appeal for me towards the end, but thankfully, I found plenty to enjoy in the earlier episodes.

In particular, the look and feel of the series is a visual feast, especially for anyone who appreciates the style, elegance, and muted colour palette of the 1990s, very much in the spirit of Calvin Klein.

From the set design to the costumes, and even the general attractiveness of the cast, there were moments when I found myself thinking, ‘How is one supposed to focus on the story with this much beauty on display?’

Luckily, despite the distractions, the story and performances proved strong enough, and the soundtrack well chosen enough, to keep me engaged overall.

Two further highlights include Alessandro Nivola’s magnetic performance as Calvin Klein, and this line:

‘Success isn’t all that triumphant when it’s expected of you.‘

Have you also made time for Love Story? What are your thoughts?

Happy Film Loving,

G