Death by Lightning

Death by Lightning is a sober, four-part Netflix miniseries about the assassination of US President James A. Garfield. Instead of spectacle, the series opts for a quiet, almost intimate approach. Michael Shannon plays Garfield as a thoughtful, principled leader, while Matthew Macfadyen impresses as the troubled perpetrator Charles Guiteau. Macfadyen, in particular, injects the series with a psychological tension that subtly but effectively remains subdued.

Director Matt Ross keeps the style understated, with plenty of dialogue, small spaces, and a historical setting that's convincing without being overdone. The pace is deliberately slow, which won't appeal to everyone, but it actually adds depth to the series.

What remains most striking is how the series demonstrates that major historical events are often sparked by a series of small, human decisions. It's precisely this down-to-earth approach that makes Death by Lightning surprisingly compelling. Ideal for those who enjoy a calmly built, character-driven series.