The film opens with a striking close-up of Jackie Kennedy as portrayed by Natalie Portman. It's November 1963 in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, and we see her grappling with the aftermath of her husband's tragic assassination. A journalist, played by Billy Crudup, arrives at the home where Jackie is temporarily staying, and she reflects on the horrible headlines circulating in the press about her. She warns him that she intends to edit their conversation, a notion he finds unlikely.
As the interview unfolds, Jackie expresses her relief at having been with her husband, John F. Kennedy, whom she affectionately calls Jack, during that fateful moment. The journalist remarks on her potential as a broadcaster, which leads to a poignant flashback to 1962, where Jackie is busy filming a CBS special. Her social secretary, Nancy (played by Greta Gerwig), stands by as Jackie assures the American public that the restoration of the White House is funded by her own means and not taxpayer dollars.
The interview takes a somber turn as the journalist probes into Jackie's faith, but she remains tight-lipped. Instead, she recalls the horrifying day when she held her husband's bloody, dismembered remains after the assassination. The film offers a chilling glimpse into the frantic moments on Air Force One, showcasing the chaos as Jackie grapples with her grief and the reality of her husband’s condition.
Amidst her sorrow, we witness Jackie's determination to honor her husband properly by choosing his funeral arrangements meticulously. She resolutely states her desire to include the Irish Cadets, as they had been dear to Jack. Despite facing pushback, Jackie insists on not hiding from the media or the public, signaling her strength and resilience.
As Jackie navigates her profound loss, the film reveals her interaction with Bobby Kennedy (played by Peter Sarsgaard), discussing practical matters concerning the funeral. Their intense conversation reveals Jackie’s desire to ensure that Jack is remembered distinctly, particularly after she insists on the casket remaining closed for the viewing, reflecting the intimate bond they shared.
Jackie's internal conflict becomes evident as she wrestles not only with her grief but also with the public scrutiny she faces. Through a series of progressively revealing conversations, we gain insight into her character—an intelligent and strong woman facing immense pressure to maintain her husband's legacy while grappling with personal sorrow.
Her reflections on history highlight profound themes as she contemplates the tragic fates of past presidents like Abraham Lincoln, lamenting that such figures are often remembered only for their deaths rather than their lives or contributions. As she prepares for a grand procession, Jackie maintains her defiance, determined to be seen alongside her husband, despite the dangers surrounding such an event.
The film intricately weaves Jackie's public and private personas, portraying her stoic front amidst public mourning and the heartbreaking reality of losing her partner. In a final emotional crescendo, Jackie candidly admits to the journalist about her own battles with guilt, as she feels that she could have intervened to save Jack’s life during that tragic day.
Jackie's story ultimately serves as a reminder of a legacy marked by love and loss, and the film concludes with her reaffirmation of their shared ideals encapsulated in Camelot, the vision she yearned to preserve. The poignant imagery of her driving through D.C., overshadowed by the enormous weight of public expectation, leaves the audience contemplating the complexities of grief and remembering those we love.
