‘Death by Lightning’ Review
Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen Lead Netflix Thriller
Weiss serves as an executive producer on this four-part James Garfield drama, also starring 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 airing on Netflix despite a trend where platforms like Apple might hide such content without promotion, as seen with the less controversial The Savant.
Similar to Sondheim’s Assassins and last year’s Manhunt, this series explores political violence and assassination attempts, portraying the disturbed individuals behind these acts as a dark contrast to the idealized American Dream. It offers a challenging look at a bizarre form of celebrity.
Creator Mike Makowsky, adapting Candice Millard’s Destiny of the Republic, handles this provocative subject with considerable skill, although the narrative pace slows during nearly three episodes focused on Matthew Macfadyen’s portrayal of Charles J.
Author's summary: Death by Lightning is a gripping and unsettling political thriller on Netflix that thoughtfully examines the complex nature of assassination and fame in America.