In a TV landscape saturated with historical fiction, Netflix’s Death by Lightning emerges as a standout—a meticulously researched yet deeply human account of President James A. Garfield’s 1881 assassination. Directed by David Fincher (The Social Network) and starring Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen, this limited series blends political thriller tension with sobering historical truths.
The Tragic Story of James A. Garfield
The 20th U.S. president served just 200 days before being shot by Charles Guiteau (Macfadyen), a disgruntled office-seeker. Death by Lightning doesn’t just recount the assassination but exposes the medical failures that turned Garfield’s gunshot wound into a months-long ordeal. Michael Shannon’s portrayal captures Garfield’s idealism, while Macfadyen’s Guiteau oscillates between pitiable and terrifying.
Key themes:
– Political instability in the Gilded Age
– Medical ignorance (doctors ignored germ theory)
– The rise of entitlement-fueled violence
Why This Story Feels Shockingly Modern
Though set in 1881, the series mirrors today’s political climate:
– Guiteau’s radicalization parallels modern extremism.
– Garfield’s battle against corruption feels timely.
– The assassination’s aftermath highlights media sensationalism.
Fincher’s signature style—shadowy cinematography, tense pacing—elevates the drama. The score’s ominous tones underscore every moment of dread.
Historical Accuracy vs. Dramatization
The show earns praise for:
✔ Authentic costumes and sets (1880s Washington, D.C.)
✔ Detailed courtroom scenes from Guiteau’s trial
✔ Medical horrors (Garfield’s sepsis-inducing treatment)
Critics debate creative liberties, like expanded private dialogues, but the core tragedy remains factual.
Final Verdict: A Haunting Masterpiece
Death by Lightning is not escapism—it’s a brutal, necessary reflection on power and madness. Shannon and Macfadyen deliver career-best performances, and Fincher’s direction makes history feel urgently relevant.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5) – “Unmissable yet unsettling”
Now streaming on Netflix.
