Review: 'Death by Lightning' Unveils the Story of an Assassinated President
Netflix’s four-part miniseries, based on Candice Millard’s nonfiction book, reveals the lesser-known tale of President James A. Garfield. Premiering Thursday on Netflix, Death By Lightning introduces itself as “a story about two men the world forgot.” While Charles Guiteau, Garfield’s assassin, is largely unknown today, Garfield remains recognized as one of the four U.S. presidents who were assassinated.
Though some presidents like John Tyler are less remembered, and some assassins more famous, this docudrama chooses a story that surprises viewers with its built-in tragedy. It also appears crafted to resonate with modern themes such as civil rights, income inequality, cronyism, and corruption.
“Death By Lightning,” premiering Thursday on Netflix, introduces itself as “a story about two men the world forgot.”
The story of Garfield is deeply dramatic, highlighting a national tragedy as he died only 200 days into his presidency. According to both the miniseries and historical records, Garfield had the potential to become a very effective leader.
For the sense one gets from “Death by Lightning” and from the historical record it fairly represents, is that Garfield, killed after only 200 days in office, might have made a very good chief executive.
Context and Themes
- The series brings to light civil rights issues and social inequalities relevant both historically and to current times.
- It addresses corruption and political cronyism within the government of that era.
- The depiction helps viewers reconsider a forgotten chapter of American history that shaped the nation’s political landscape.
Author’s summary: The miniseries Death by Lightning tells a compelling, lesser-known story of President Garfield’s brief and tragic presidency, highlighting themes still relevant today.