On July 18, 1969, Senator Ted Kennedy was driving around Chappaquiddick Island when he accidentally drove his car off a bridge, resulting in the death of 28-year-old campaign aide Mary Jo Kopechne. It was a tragedy that quickly morphed into a scandal when a team of spin doctors went to work to protect the Kennedy brand, at the expense of the truth.

Handled with great restraint and insight, director John Curran paints a vivid picture of the Chappaquiddick Incident, following every moment and decision that led to Kennedy not reporting the accident for 10 straight hours. Powered by a quietly arresting performance from Jason Clarke, Chappaquiddick is not only a fascinating piece of history, but an astute character study of a deeply flawed political figure who carried the burden of a dynasty on his shoulders.