“Death by Lightning” is a captivating historical drama that tells the story of James Garfield, the 20th president of the United States, and the man who shot him just three months after he took office.
This series draws inspiration from the book “Destiny of the Republic” by Candice Millard. It displays the world of politics, obsession and unforeseen tragedy.
If you enjoy drama and true stories, this limited series is for you.
“Death by Lightning” premiered on Netflix on Nov. 6 and consists of only four episodes, each running approximately 50 minutes, with the final episode exceeding an hour.
The first episode introduces James Garfield — a husband, father and congressman from Ohio — who attends the Republican National Convention in 1880. He is there to support another candidate, but after delivering a powerful speech, he is surprised to find that the public begins to vote for him, even though he is not on the ballot.
The series showcases outstanding performances by Michael Shannon as President James Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as Charles Guiteau, the man who shot the president.
Macfayden brilliantly portrays Guiteau’s spiral into madness as he seeks to establish himself and will do anything to get near Garfield, showcasing a chilling insight into the nature of obsession.
Guiteau campaigned for Garfield, leading him to believe that his contributions were crucial to Garfield securing the presidency. When Guiteau’s efforts do not grant him a position on the White House staff, he buys a gun and starts plotting to assassinate the president.
Interestingly, the bullet itself is not what ultimately kills President Garfield. When doctors attempt to remove the bullet, it only causes further complications, leading to a severe infection that would result in his death, two months after the shooting.
Shannon excels in the role of James Garfield, who initially resists being nominated for the Republican candidacy. However, we witness his transformation as he embraces his responsibilities as president, despite the discontent of many. He portrays a leader who genuinely cares for the people and strives to do what is right, not knowing his time in office will be cut short.
The score, composed by Ramin Djawadi, the lead composer for “Game of Thrones,” enhances the scenes and significantly adds to the dramatic tone of the series.
“Death by Lightning” is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys history paired with emotion, intensity and unforgettable drama.