Death by Lightning (2025): Netflix’s Bold Historical Drama About James Garfield
When Netflix announced Death by Lightning, audiences knew they were in for something exceptional. The series explores the turbulent final months of President James A. Garfield, a man whose leadership, intellect, and tragic assassination forever changed America’s political history.
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| Death by Lightning (2025) AI Image |
Directed by Mike Flanagan and starring Michael Shannon as Garfield alongside Matthew Macfadyen as Charles Guiteau – his delusional assassin – the series dives deep into the intersection of power, politics, and personal belief.
A Story Rooted in American Tragedy
Death by Lightning tells the haunting real story of the 20th President of the United States, James Garfield, who was shot by a disgruntled political supporter just four months into his presidency. Rather than focusing solely on the act of violence, the show humanizes Garfield – a self-made scholar and Civil War hero who rose from poverty to the White House.
The title itself – borrowed from a 19th-century newspaper headline – reflects the electrifying moment when modernity, medicine, and politics collided with destiny. Netflix’s adaptation brings a cinematic touch to this forgotten chapter of history.
The Vision Behind the Series
Flanagan, best known for The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass, applies his mastery of tone and tension here as well. The director avoids turning Death by Lightning into a simple biopic; instead, he constructs an immersive psychological study of ambition, faith, and downfall.
His Garfield is not a saint but a conflicted intellectual – a reformist politician caught between the corruption of his party and the hope of national unity.
Powerful Performances by Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen
Michael Shannon delivers one of his career’s finest performances as James Garfield. He portrays the president with a quiet dignity and emotional depth that commands every frame. Shannon captures Garfield’s compassion for civil reform and his moral frustration toward Washington’s patronage system.
Opposite him, Matthew Macfadyen plays Charles Guiteau, the mentally unstable man who believed God chose him to “save the nation” by killing the president. Macfadyen’s portrayal is both terrifying and tragic – a mix of misguided faith and desperate loneliness.
Their scenes together anchor the narrative, giving the audience a window into the fragile psychology of both leader and killer.
Cinematic Craft and Direction
Visually, Death by Lightning is stunning. Every frame looks like an oil painting of post-Civil-War America – from the candlelit offices of Washington D.C. to the dust-filled train stations where destiny unfolds.
The production design perfectly captures the 1880s aesthetic: ornate wooden furniture, handwritten letters, and gaslit corridors echo an era on the edge of change.
Flanagan’s use of light and shadow gives the show a haunting melancholy. The cinematography mirrors Garfield’s decline – from warm golden tones of early leadership to the cold blues of his assassination and deathbed.
Themes: Power, Morality, and the Cost of Progress
Beyond its historical retelling, Death by Lightning explores timeless themes:
- The Fragility of Democracy: Garfield’s presidency reminds viewers how easily noble ideals can crumble under political greed.
- Faith vs. Reason: Guiteau’s religious delusion stands in stark contrast to Garfield’s rational humanism.
- Legacy and Memory: The series asks why Garfield – once hailed as a visionary – was forgotten by history.
Each episode challenges viewers to consider how society treats leaders who stand for integrity over influence.
Comparison to Other Historical Dramas
Fans of The Crown or Lincoln will find Death by Lightning equally captivating. Unlike typical political dramas, however, this series delves into psychological horror – not with ghosts, but with conscience.
The show’s slow-burn pacing and meticulous dialogue recall classic American literature more than modern thrillers. Yet, that’s what makes it unique: it refuses to rush through history and instead lingers on the humanity behind the headlines.
Historical Accuracy and Research
Netflix reportedly collaborated with historians and medical experts to ensure authenticity. From Garfield’s medical treatment (which, ironically, may have worsened his wounds) to the political factions of the Republican Party, everything feels grounded in fact.
The show doesn’t shy away from showing how outdated medical practices – like unsterilized instruments – played a role in the president’s suffering. It’s both heartbreaking and educational.
Audience Reception & Critical Buzz
Early reviews on Rotten Tomatoes suggest a strong critical reception, with praise for its production design and acting. Critics have called it “a chilling reflection on leadership” and “Flanagan’s most mature work to date.”
While some viewers may find its pacing deliberate, others appreciate its slow unraveling of political decay. It’s less about action and more about reflection – a meditation on how ideals meet mortality.
Why Death by Lightning Matters in 2025
In an age when political discourse feels polarized, Death by Lightning resonates deeply. Garfield’s call for unity and civil service reform feels more relevant than ever.
His death was not just an assassination – it was a metaphor for a democracy wounded by corruption. By bringing his story to screen, Netflix reintroduces a leader whose brief presidency embodied honesty, intellect, and empathy.
Final Verdict: A Masterpiece of Political Tragedy
Death by Lightning is not just another period drama; it’s a poetic requiem for a forgotten president.
It will move viewers who value introspection, historical detail, and emotional truth.
⭐ Rating: 9 / 10
🎮 Streaming Platform: Netflix
🕳️ Release Date: 6 November 2025
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