Acting Up: 'Death by Lightning': Michael Shannon & Matthew Macfadyen Electrify in Netflix’s Forgotten-History Thriller

Acting Up: 'Death by Lightning'

Michael Shannon & Matthew Macfadyen Electrify in Netflix’s Forgotten-History Thriller

Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen deliver compelling performances in Netflix’s Death by Lightning, a gripping historical drama that revives the largely overlooked assassination of President James Garfield through powerful acting and precise storytelling.

The Snapshot

The series tells the true story of James Garfield, the 20th president of the United States, and his assassin, Charles Guiteau, in 1881. All four episodes of Death by Lightning are currently streaming on Netflix.

The Performance

In the opening moments, a chyron informs the audience that both men in the story are largely forgotten today. Garfield’s brief presidency lasted only a few months, leading to his obscurity, though he remains one of the 45 men to hold the office of U.S. President. His name is familiar mostly to those with advanced studies in American history.

Writer Mike Makowsky, adapting from Candice Millard’s nonfiction book, stays faithful to the facts, taking only modest creative liberties. The true events are compelling enough to engage viewers without significant embellishment.

Having Michael Shannon portray Garfield and Matthew Macfadyen as Guiteau adds depth and intensity to the narrative, elevating the drama.

"The two men who are featured in the coming story have essentially been forgotten, and that’s mostly true."

Author's summary: Netflix's Death by Lightning revitalizes a neglected chapter in U.S. history with strong performances and faithful storytelling, shedding light on President Garfield's tragic fate.

Casting Networks — 2025-11-03