Parkland

The story unfolds on and around November 22, 1963, as the nation reels from Kennedy's assassination. The era is defined by Cold War tensions, intense media coverage, and sudden shifts in national security priorities. The time frame emphasizes the immediacy of events and the quiet, personal toll on those involved.

Dallas, Texas serves as the setting for Kennedy's fateful motorcade and the immediate aftermath. Parkland Memorial Hospital becomes the central stage for medical drama and national mourning, while Dealey Plaza marks the scene of the shooting and Zapruder's famous footage. Love Field and Air Force One symbolize the rapid, unprecedented political response and the scramble to shape the tale for history.

🕊️ Loss

The film centers on personal grief in the wake of tragedy, from Jackie Kennedy and families to hospital staff. It portrays how individuals process sudden death in a public, monumental moment. The narrative anchors the national sorrow in intimate, human scenes within Parkland.

🔒 Secrecy

Government secrecy and the control of information drive much of the tension, as agencies weigh what to reveal versus what to protect. The pursuit of national dignity clashes with transparency as footage and evidence are contested. Characters face moral dilemmas over masking truth to preserve the image of the nation.

🗞️ Media

The Zapruder film and press coverage become central to how the event is remembered, revealing editorial and public pressures. Journalists, editors, and investigators negotiate access to the footage while balancing public interest with sensitivity. The media’s role shapes collective memory and the political narrative.