Death by Lightning is a Netflix limited series that dramatizes one of the strangest and most tragic chapters in American political history: the assassination of President James A. Garfield. Adapted from Candice Millard's acclaimed nonfiction book Destiny of the Republic, the four-part drama was created by Mike Makowsky and executive produced by a team that includes David Benioff and D. B. Weiss of Game of Thrones fame.
Michael Shannon stars as Garfield, the reluctant, principled Ohioan swept into the presidency in 1880 almost against his will, while Matthew Macfadyen plays Charles Guiteau, the delusional, chronically failed office-seeker who came to believe he was destined to kill the president. The series braids their two lives together, tracing Garfield's improbable ascent and Guiteau's descent into fatal grandiosity, before turning to the grim aftermath in which the president's own doctors may have done more harm than the assassin's bullet. Nick Offerman, Betty Gilpin, Shea Whigham, and Bradley Whitford round out the ensemble.
Critics praised the series for its dark wit, its detailed period craft, and the performances of its two leads, with Macfadyen's twitchy, tragicomic Guiteau drawing particular attention. Both a political tragedy and a mordant character study, it revives a largely forgotten American story for a modern audience. Death by Lightning is streaming on Netflix.
HBO Docs Club is a new documentary series by HBO that features a selection of thought-provoking documentaries on a variety of topics. The series aims to highlight important issues and events from around the world, giving viewers an in-depth look at stories that might not otherwise be covered in the mainstream media.
Each episode of the series focuses on a different documentary, covering topics such as politics, social issues, and human interest stories. The documentaries are curated by HBO and feature a mix of established filmmakers and emerging talent, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and styles.
The series is available exclusively on HBO and is designed to appeal to a wide range of audiences, from documentary enthusiasts to casual viewers. With its thought-provoking content and diverse range of topics, HBO Docs Club is sure to become a must-watch series for anyone interested in documentaries and the issues that shape our world.
"I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth V. Michelle Carter" is a two-part documentary series that explores the events leading up to the death of Conrad Roy, a teenager who died by suicide in 2014. The series follows the trial of Michelle Carter, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for encouraging Roy to take his own life through a series of text messages.
The documentary examines the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding the case, including questions about free speech, mental illness, and the role of technology in modern communication. It features interviews with legal experts, psychologists, and journalists who provide insight into the case and its implications.
"I Love You, Now Die: The Commonwealth V. Michelle Carter" offers a nuanced and thought-provoking look at a tragic case that captured national attention. The series raises important questions about the responsibility we have to others, both online and offline, and the impact that our words and actions can have on those around us. Ultimately, the series encourages viewers to consider the role that empathy and understanding can play in preventing similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
"Who Killed Garrett Phillips?" is a two-part documentary released in 2019 by Liz Garbus. The documentary examines the murder of 12-year-old Garrett Phillips in his home in Potsdam, a small town in upstate New York, in 2011. The documentary follows the police investigation that led to the arrest of Oral "Nick" Hillary, an ex-boyfriend of Garrett's mother and a Jamaican man in the mostly white community.
The documentary focuses on the interrogation, arrest, and trial of Nick Hillary, who was accused of second-degree murder. Hillary was a soccer coach at Clarkson University at the time of the murder. The documentary also reveals instances of professional misconduct by the public state prosecutor, Mary E. Rain. It was discovered that Rain withheld exculpatory evidence from the defense, which led to her being banned from practicing law for two years.
Through interviews with family members, law enforcement officials, and legal experts, "Who Killed Garrett Phillips?" provides an in-depth look at the case and the impact it had on the small town of Potsdam. The documentary raises questions about justice, race, and the criminal justice system in America.
"Undercurrent: The Disappearance of Kim Wall" is a documentary series that investigates the disappearance of journalist Kim Wall. The series is available on Hulu and consists of six episodes, each delving deeper into the case.
Wall disappeared while on board a self-made submarine owned by Danish entrepreneur Peter Madsen. Her body was later found dismembered in the sea. The series takes a comprehensive look at the case, including interviews with friends, family, and colleagues of Wall, as well as experts in the fields of journalism and criminology.
The series provides a gripping and emotional account of Wall's disappearance, exploring the impact of her death on those closest to her and the wider journalism community. It also sheds light on the risks that journalists face when reporting on dangerous or controversial topics. "Undercurrent: The Disappearance of Kim Wall" is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime or the world of journalism.
"Behind Closed Doors" is a two-part documentary that sheds light on the double murder case of Aarushi Talwar and Hemraj Banjade. The documentary takes a deep dive into the case and investigates the events leading up to the tragic incident.
If you are interested in true crime documentaries or have been following the case, "Behind Closed Doors" is definitely worth watching. The documentary provides a detailed look into the investigation, revealing new evidence and insights into the case that have not been previously shared.
In 2008, a tragedy occurred in Noida, India where a 13-year-old girl named Aarushi Talwar and her family's servant, Hemraj Banjade, were found dead in their home. Despite the investigations carried out, the case remains unsolved to this day.
The TV show "Witness" is a documentary series that focuses on photojournalists and their experiences covering various global conflicts. The show features interviews with these journalists as they recount their stories and provide insights into their work. The series aims to give viewers a deeper understanding of the risks and challenges photojournalists face while covering conflict zones.
Each episode of "Witness" focuses on a different conflict, including the Arab Spring, the drug war in Mexico, and the civil war in Syria. The show offers a unique perspective on these events, as the journalists who cover them often witness firsthand the violence and devastation that occur. By providing a platform for these journalists to share their experiences, the show aims to shed light on the impact of these conflicts on both the journalists and the people affected by them.
Overall, "Witness" offers a compelling and thought-provoking look at the work of photojournalists and the challenges they face. Through its powerful storytelling and firsthand accounts, the series provides a unique and valuable perspective on global conflicts and the role of photojournalism in documenting them.
"Unveiled: Surviving La Luz del Mundo" is a documentary TV show that tells the story of the controversial religious group, La Luz del Mundo (The Light of the World), and its leader, Naason Joaquin Garcia. The show follows the group's history, beliefs, and scandals, including the arrest of Garcia on charges of sexual abuse and trafficking of minors.
The show features interviews with former members who have come forward to share their experiences and reveal the inner workings of the secretive group. It highlights the psychological and emotional impact of being a member of a cult-like organization and the difficulties of leaving such a group. The show also sheds light on the tactics used by cult leaders to manipulate and control their members.
Overall, "Unveiled: Surviving La Luz del Mundo" provides a comprehensive look at the controversies surrounding La Luz del Mundo and its leader. It raises awareness of the dangers of cult-like organizations and serves as a cautionary tale for those who may be vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation.
