Fans of historical thrillers will love Chappaquiddick, an ethical rollercoaster ride surrounding the Chappaquiddick incident.
In 1969, Senator Ted Kennedy (Jason Clarke) plans a weekend in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts with cousin Joe Gargan (Ed Helms), United States Attorney Paul Markham (Jim Gaffigan), and the Boiler Room Girls, female staff members that worked on Robert F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign. After losing in the Edgartown Yacht Club Regatta, Kennedy attends a beach house party with Gargan, Markham, and the Boiler Room Girls, including Mary Jo Kopechne (Kate Mara). Kennedy and Kopechne leave in a vehicle and accidentally drive off a bridge submerging the vehicle upside down in a pond. Despite Kennedy escaping the vehicle, Kopechne died after being trapped in the vehicle. After the accident, a series of legal and moral decisions must be made by Kennedy as he seeks to keep his political career alive, but not degrade the death of Mary Jo.
I enjoy history, and events involving uncertainty and potential scandal are often intriguing and exciting. Chappaquiddick checks off a lot of boxes and is a must-watch for any history fan.
Perhaps what is most interesting is that the Chappaquiddick incident involves a Kennedy and occurs after the family had already endured the deaths of Joe Jr., John, Kathleen, and Bobby. Even though I am not too familiar with the incident, I was interested and able to understand everything taking place due to the film’s exceptional storyline and terrific acting.
Jason Clarke (Zero Dark Thirty, Everest) does an impeccable job portraying Senator Ted Kennedy. From Kennedy’s demeanor to his New England accent, Clarke really hits the nail on the head as Edward M. Kennedy. To my surprise, comedy stars Ed Helms (The Office, The Hangover trilogy) and Jim Gaffigan (The Jim Gaffigan Show, My Boys) are incredible in their serious roles as Joe Gargan and Paul Markham. It’s not that I’ve thought comedians can’t perform serious roles, but rather I am used to Helms and Gaffigan playing particular characters, Helms as Andy Bernard in The Office for example. However, I found it refreshing and absolutely enjoyed Helms and Gaffigan as important, influential figures in the incident.
If you enjoy political scandals or historical drama, Chappaquiddick is for you. Even if you are just slightly interested in history or drama, I recommend checking it out.
