President Garfield’s Surprising Story: Death by Lightning Review

“Death by Lightning,” which is set to debut on Netflix this Thursday, tells the forgotten story of two men, President James A. Garfield and his assassin Charles Guiteau. While Garfield is known as one of the four American presidents who were assassinated, Guiteau’s name may not ring a bell for many viewers in 2025.

This docudrama offers a surprising and tragic tale that may captivate viewers with its themes of civil rights, income inequality, cronyism, and corruption. The series suggests that Garfield, who was tragically killed after just 200 days in office, had the potential to be a great president. He was not seeking the job but was drafted into it, showing qualities of selflessness and humility that set him apart from other politicians of his time.

The series draws from Candice Millard’s 2011 book “Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President” to bring this historical story to life. Garfield’s dedication to fixing the injustices faced by Black citizens is a central theme, showcased through his powerful inaugural speech and campaign address to a crowd of 50,000 in New York’s Madison Square Park.

“Death by Lightning” promises to offer a compelling look at a forgotten chapter in American history that sheds light on the tragic fate of a promising leader gone too soon. Whether you’re familiar with the story of James A. Garfield or not, this docudrama is sure to leave a lasting impact with its dramatic retelling of an important moment in time.