‘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 Thriller

Executive producers Weiss join forces on the four-part drama about President James Garfield, also starring Betty Gilpin and Nick Offerman.

Warning for Stephen Sondheim fans: prolonged exposure to “Death by Lightning” may trigger uncontrollable singing of the entire musical Assassins. Avoid if allergic to Assassins. Possible side effects: spontaneous renditions of Sweeney Todd or Company.

It’s impressive that Netflix even chose to release Death by Lightning. In contrast, Apple likely would have hidden it, following the cautious precedent set by the mild thriller The Savant, which vanished among dozens of star-filled but unnoticed titles.

Much like Sondheim’s Assassins and last year’s Manhunt, this four-episode limited series examines political violence and the minds behind it. It connects these acts of extremism to the flawed ideals of the American Dream, exposing how notoriety and delusion intertwine within American culture.

The show’s creator, Mike Makowsky, adapts the story from Candice Millard’s Destiny of the Republic with skill and confidence, though at times the narrative feels a little compressed.

Creative Confidence and Pacing

Makowsky successfully captures the moral tension of Garfield’s era and his assassin’s chaotic psyche. Still, after nearly three episodes of careful buildup around Matthew Macfadyen’s portrayal of Charles J. Guiteau, the pacing ramps abruptly toward the finale.

Author’s Summary

A sharp, if slightly rushed, study of ambition, madness, and morality—Death by Lightning proves Netflix still takes daring creative risks in a politically charged story of power and delusion.

The Hollywood Reporter — 2025-11-06