When the Spark Hits: Who's Really Carrying the Current in 'Death by Lightning'?

Oh, the electricity in the air! You can almost feel it, that palpable buzz surrounding “Death by Lightning,” a film that promises not just a retelling but, dare I say, a reimagining of Mary Shelley’s timeless "Frankenstein." And honestly, with a cast like this — well, it’s impossible not to get a little bit giddy, isn’t it?

The sheer ambition of the project, especially the casting choices, has already set tongues wagging. We’re talking about a story many of us know so well, yet here it comes, ready to be zapped with new life. But who among this stellar ensemble is truly poised to ignite the screen, to really give us that spark we crave in a gothic drama? It’s a compelling question, one worth mulling over, particularly given some of the rather inventive interpretations at play.

First off, there’s Shea Whigham, a familiar face, a stalwart, if you will, often lending his gruff, utterly believable intensity to, frankly, just about anything. He’s set to embody William Godwin. And while he’s consistently excellent, a true workhorse of an actor, one might wonder if his role here will allow him the expansive, electrifying stage some of his co-stars might command. He’s the anchor, perhaps, a reliable presence, but maybe not the one destined for the most outlandish transformation.

Then we have David Jonsson, a name quickly gaining traction, a performer with an undeniable charisma. He’s stepping into the shoes of Henry Clerval, Frankenstein's loyal, often tragic friend. Jonsson has this ability to infuse characters with a kind of innate warmth, a real human touch that can make even the most secondary of roles feel vital. He's certainly one to watch; his performance could truly tug at the heartstrings, you know?

Ah, and Kyle Soller! Now there's a fascinating choice for Percy Bysshe Shelley. Soller possesses this wonderful theatricality, a sort of contained fervor that could be absolutely captivating. Given the poet's revolutionary spirit and the era's dramatic flair, Soller feels like a rather inspired piece of casting. He has the potential, doesn't he, to bring a nuanced, perhaps even a subtly unsettling energy to the historical figure? It’s a role that demands intelligence, and he certainly has it in spades.

And let's talk about Anson Boon as John Polidori. This young actor, not quite as ubiquitous as some of the others, has this magnetic intensity, a brooding quality that's really quite special. He's proven he can command attention, leaving a lasting impression in past roles. Polidori, a complex character in the Byron/Shelley circle, feels like fertile ground for Boon’s particular brand of simmering power. Honestly, he could very well be the dark horse, the one who unexpectedly steals every scene he's in. You could say he's got that 'it' factor.

Now, for something truly audacious, utterly bold: Ben Whishaw as Mary Shelley. Yes, you read that right — Mary Shelley. This isn't just stunt casting; this is a profound artistic statement, a re-imagining that twists gender and expectation. Whishaw, with his ethereal quality, his remarkable ability to convey deep emotion with just a look, is an astonishing choice. He brings such an incredible blend of vulnerability and steel to every character. It’s a casting decision that will undoubtedly shape the entire film’s thematic landscape, pushing boundaries and, well, sparking endless conversation. It's a risk, but my goodness, it feels like one that could pay off spectacularly.

But for once, let’s be real. The gravitational pull, the raw, unsettling energy of Barry Keoghan as Dr. Frankenstein himself… it’s simply undeniable, isn't it? Keoghan has a way of embodying characters that feel perpetually on the edge, teetering between brilliance and madness, innocence and something far more sinister. He doesn't just play roles; he inhabits them with a kind of primal intensity that's both captivating and deeply uncomfortable. Just think of his work in "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" or "The Banshees of Inisherin"— he crafts these indelible figures. For a character as tormented and visionary as Frankenstein, Keoghan seems, in truth, an absolutely perfect, even destined, choice. He's the current that runs through the whole thing, the very heart of this electrifying story. Expect something truly unforgettable; something that will undoubtedly haunt your thoughts long after the credits roll.