Disney's 1998 remake of The Parent Trap, starring Lindsay Lohan as twins Annie and Hallie, is a timeless (and questionable) hit for many reasons. As adults, we contest why parents would be negligible enough to split their twin daughters apart amidst their divorce, but as kids, none of that matters because the story engages from beginning to end. Nancy Meyers' directing, the astounding cast, and the hilariously meme-worthy moments that still hold up are among a few of the film's most memorable beats that make it a classic today.
Further, after the success of Quinta Brunson's mockumentary Abbott Elementary, viewers made a connection upon falling in love with Lisa Ann Walter's bold, cut-throat performance as Melissa Schemmenti. And when two worlds collided after Walters' current character wore an outfit as an homage to the former, the internet was rightfully in fits. In an interview with Elle, Walter reveals that the Chessy-inspired outfit was her idea. Walter's performances are guaranteed to make the characters she plays memorable, but when the writing simultaneously gives her heart and grit with ample room for humor, viewers have front-row seats to a powerhouse of a woman.
And though Abbott Elementary should have a long road ahead until its final episode, there's no doubt that Melissa Schemmenti will also be an icon like Chessy years from now. She already is. When it comes to The Parent Trap's Chessy, the well-written complexities and the detail she feels like home to viewers is a key reason why the character is one without whom the story would fumble.
Lisa Ann Walter's Performances
Walter's range as an actress is on full display as Chessy. She's outspoken and brimming with warmth when viewers first meet her, but we slowly watch the chips fall as she makes connections to Hallie's odd behavior. We don't need the script to tell us that Chessy is the most observant member of the Parker household because we see it through Walter's performances. She shows viewers every detail of her caring nature by exhibiting that she not only sees what's happening around her, but she has myriad thoughts about them too. At the same time, the breakdown she has after learning that Hallie is Annie results in one of the film's most powerful moments because Walter organically brings the emotions to life.
While most reveals in The Parent Trap are memorable, it's safe to presume that nothing tops Chessy's reaction. Walter's delivery of "can I hug her?" is the best kind of gut punch because, in that brief moment, she evokes so much love for the twins it's as overwhelming for the viewers as it is for the character. The progression alone, from explaining herself to Nick to the crying, is everything, but how she picks herself up later and then sardonically responds to Meredith (Elaine Hendrix) while displaying utmost kindness toward Natasha Richardson's Elizabeth puts her character dualities centerfold. Walter undoubtedly has a blast with the character's myriad idiosyncrasies, which results in a downright fantastic performance.
She's Well Written
In the same way that Walter's performance showcases Chessy's warmth, the writing reveals to viewers the type of character she is. She could have merely been comedic relief, almost like how Martin is, but because of Chessy's observant nature and how understanding she appears to be in a relatively chaotic house, we get a sense of how much more grounded she is. The Parker household would fall apart without her, and that's a fact clear as day that we get just by seeing how efficiently she manages everything.
Further, without words, we could decipher that though Hallie still longs for a motherly figure, Chessy is the one person who could always put her in place. She notices when Hallie's off, she pushes her to expand her horizons, and she ultimately chooses to support her like a motherly figure. There's not only depth in the detail that she's an established person who isn't afraid to stand her ground, but in the detail that she's someone with whom the girls can be their authentic selves, even when they're lying.
Her Character Feels Like Home
If Meredith Blake is the type of character Annie, as Hallie, is certain is the worst thing to happen to their father, then Chessy is home. Again, much of this relies heavily on how Walter brings a plethora of zeal and warmth to life, but from the moment the two reunite, it's apparent that Chessy is someone we can wholeheartedly trust. Considering she's also the reason the house is one piece and functions as diligently as it does, it's a bonus that her character provides the comfort and safety we're looking for, especially when tranquility feels threatened by Meredith's presence.
When Chessy cries while hugging Annie, it's a moment that cuts deep because it proves that not only is the secret safe with Chessy, but that there's so much love bursting inside of her that it secures Annie is home away from home. Inadvertently, the scene translates off-screen to create a welcoming aura for viewers as well, along with the most memorable outfit Chessy has. Her character feels like home because even when she rightfully doesn't respect people like Meredith, she's still warm, giving, and willing to do anything possible for those she cares for. Who wouldn't want her whipping up everything she has in the kitchen? It's fitting that it's also what Melissa does in Abbott Elementary by teaching Janine (Brunson) and Jacob (Chris Perfetti) how to cook.