‘Death by Lightning’ Review: Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen Headline Netflix’s Mostly Gripping, Slightly Rushed Presidential Assassination Thriller

‘Death by Lightning’ Review

Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen Lead Netflix’s Presidential Assassination Thriller

Weiss serves as an executive producer on this four-part drama about James Garfield, which also stars Betty Gilpin and Nick Offerman.

“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.”

Surprisingly, Death by Lightning is available on Netflix, despite recent trends where similar works like The Savant have been marginalized or hidden on streaming platforms like Apple TV+. The series joins others, such as Sondheim’s Assassins and last year’s Manhunt, in exploring political violence by portraying assassination attempts and their troubled perpetrators as dark shadows near the American Dream. It offers a challenging look at this rare form of celebrity.

Creator Mike Makowsky adapts Candice Millard’s well-regarded book Destiny of the Republic, navigating the sensitive material with reasonable skill. Nearly three episodes in, the series focuses on Matthew Macfadyen’s portrayal of Charles J.

Summary

Death by Lightning offers a provocative and intense examination of political violence, skillfully balancing historical drama with complex character portrayals.

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The Hollywood Reporter — 2025-11-06