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.
"Atlanta's Missing and Murdered: The Lost Children" is a true-crime docuseries that explores a series of murders and disappearances that took place in Atlanta between 1979 and 1981. During this time, at least 28 African-American children, adolescents, and young adults were killed or went missing in the city. The show sheds light on the impact of these tragic events on the families of the victims, the Atlanta community, and the nation as a whole.
The documentary examines the investigation that took place at the time and the controversy surrounding the conviction of Wayne Williams, a young black man who was accused of committing some of the murders. It also explores the political and social context of Atlanta at the time, including the tension between the African-American community and law enforcement. The show features interviews with family members of the victims, former law enforcement officials, and journalists who covered the story.
The series offers a compelling and emotional look at a dark chapter in Atlanta's history and highlights the importance of acknowledging and remembering the victims of these crimes. It also raises important questions about race, justice, and the role of law enforcement in society.
Through Our Eyes is a documentary series that follows the lives of American families, as seen through the eyes of their children. The show takes viewers on an intimate and inspiring journey, highlighting the resilience of these families as they face difficult challenges. The four-part series explores the experiences of families dealing with parental incarceration, climate displacement, the effects of war, and homelessness.
Through the eyes of the children, viewers get a glimpse into the innocence of childhood and the determination of families to overcome their obstacles. The documentary provides a unique perspective on these all-too-common challenges, highlighting the strength and perseverance of these families. The show aims to inspire viewers and create a deeper understanding of the struggles that these families face.
Overall, Through Our Eyes is an important and thought-provoking documentary series that sheds light on the challenges that many American families are facing today. It highlights the resilience and determination of these families, and shows the importance of support and understanding in overcoming difficult circumstances.
"The Weight of the Nation for Kids" is a documentary series that teaches children about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The documentary is produced by HBO in partnership with the Institute of Medicine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and National Institutes of Health. It consists of four episodes that cover topics such as the causes of obesity, the health risks associated with obesity, and ways to prevent obesity.
In the documentary, experts explain that obesity is caused by a combination of factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and environment. They also explain that being overweight or obese can lead to serious health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The documentary encourages children to adopt healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.
Overall, "The Weight of the Nation for Kids" is an informative and engaging documentary that teaches children about the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The documentary provides valuable information about the causes and health risks of obesity and encourages children to adopt healthy habits to prevent obesity. Parents and educators can use this documentary as a resource to teach children about the importance of taking care of their bodies.
"The Vow" is a nine-part documentary television series that premiered on HBO in 2020. The series follows the experiences of individuals who were involved in the organization NXIVM, which presented itself as a self-help group but was later exposed as a sex cult. The series features interviews with former members and shows footage from inside the organization.
The documentary highlights the tactics used by NXIVM to recruit members and the methods used to manipulate and control them. The organization's leader, Keith Raniere, is portrayed as a charismatic figure who used his influence to prey on vulnerable individuals. The series also explores the impact that the organization had on its members and the efforts of those who left to bring Raniere to justice.
Overall, "The Vow" is a compelling and disturbing exploration of the dangers of cults and the ways in which individuals can be manipulated and exploited. It sheds light on the experiences of those who were caught up in NXIVM and serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of being aware of the warning signs of cult-like organizations.
"The Anarchists" is a six-part documentary series that tells the story of an anarchy movement that lasted for six years. The movement started as a spontaneous gathering but evolved into a big annual event that attracted support from crypto-currency companies. Prominent speakers such as Ron Paul and Roger Ver also took part in the event. However, the movement took place in one of the most dangerous cities in the world, which made it even more unpredictable.
The documentary series shows how the movement's ideology, which aimed at achieving a utopian society without any rules, clashed with the unpredictable nature of human beings. The documentary explores the consequences of this conflict, which resulted in strange and deadly events.
The anarchy movement grew bigger every year, and its impact became more apparent. The series takes a closer look at how it all started, the forces that drove it, and how it ultimately ended. Through interviews with key players and footage of the events, viewers get an inside look at a movement that challenged the status quo and left a lasting impact.
"Mind Over Murder" is a six-part documentary miniseries that premiered on HBO in 2022. Directed by Nanfu Wang, the series delves into the case of the Beatrice Six, who were wrongly convicted of the 1985 rape and murder of Helen Wilson. The series explores the complex legal and psychological factors that contributed to the wrongful conviction and eventual exoneration of the six individuals.
The series is a detailed and emotional examination of the Beatrice Six case, which highlights the power of psychological manipulation and the flaws in the criminal justice system. It features interviews with the six individuals, their families, and others involved in the case, as well as archival footage and reenactments. The series provides a compelling and informative look at how wrongful convictions can occur and the toll they take on the lives of the innocent.
Overall, "Mind Over Murder" is a thought-provoking and insightful series that sheds light on the flaws in the criminal justice system and the power of psychological manipulation. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime or social justice issues, as it highlights the importance of fighting for justice and holding those in power accountable for their actions.
"The Way Down" is a 2021 American documentary miniseries produced and directed by Marina Zenovich. The series focuses on Gwen Shamblin Lara, who founded the weight loss program Weigh Down Workshop, and her controversial religious group, The Remnant Fellowship. The series consists of five episodes and premiered on HBO Max on September 30, 2021.
The series follows the life of Gwen Shamblin Lara and her creation of The Remnant Fellowship, a Christian group based in Tennessee. The group has faced criticism and accusations of being a cult due to its strict teachings and practices. Despite reaching out for an interview, the producers were unable to secure one with Shamblin Lara and the church leadership.
The production of the series involved months of research and interviews with former members of The Remnant Fellowship. After Shamblin Lara's death in a plane crash during the final stages of post-production, individuals who had previously been unwilling to speak out came forward to share their experiences with the group. The series sheds light on the inner workings of The Remnant Fellowship and raises questions about faith, power, and the impact of cults on individuals and communities.
