‘Death by Lightning’ Review
Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen Lead Netflix's Political Thriller
Death by Lightning is a four-part drama about James Garfield, executive produced by Weiss and starring Betty Gilpin and Nick Offerman as well.
For Stephen Sondheim fans, prolonged exposure to Death by Lightning may result in uncontrollable singing of the entirety of Assassins. Do not watch if you are allergic to Assassins. Possible side effects may include Sweeney Todd or Company.
It is somewhat surprising that Netflix decided to release Death by Lightning at all. Given recent trends, a platform like Apple might have buried the series or relegated it to a rarely visited corner with minimal promotion.
Similar to Sondheim’s Assassins and last year’s Manhunt, this four-episode series delves into political violence and assassination attempts. It portrays the troubled individuals behind these acts as part of a darker side to the American Dream, exposing a unique celebrity phenomenon.
Creator Mike Makowsky, adapting Candice Millard’s acclaimed book Destiny of the Republic, handles this sensitive subject with a fair degree of confidence. However, after almost three episodes focused on Matthew Macfadyen’s portrayal of Charles J., the narrative pacing feels somewhat rushed.
Overall, the series is a provocative look at a challenging topic, balancing historical drama with psychological insight.
Author's Summary
This political thriller thoughtfully explores assassination attempts with strong performances, though its pacing occasionally feels hurried.
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