Riveting and filled with unsettling tension, “Baby Reindeer” is the latest series to hit Netflix and take the internet by storm. As a black comedy thriller, audiences witness the life of a fictionalized version of comedian-actor Richard Gadd who deals with the experiences of being stalked.
Released on Apr. 11, “Baby Reindeer” follows Donny Dunn (Richard Gadd) as he is entangled in what seems to be a harmless friendship turned relationship with Martha Scott (Jessica Gunning). Donny finds fascination and relishes in Martha’s attention given to him. However, looming behind Martha’s peppy demeanor is an unstable background that’s darker than what he expected.
Viewers of the series are taken back to the experiences of Donny in which he meets Martha for the first time. Over several months, Donny slowly realizes how his interaction with Martha has gradually turned into a nightmare that has been consuming his daily life and affecting his relationships with his loved ones. It’s certainly a show that puts anyone on edge.
Everything’s not all black and white
At first, audiences would feel frustrated over the decisions Donny could have made to avoid his several problems. However, the themes of abuse and power dynamics offer a glimpse of why Donny decided the way he did. Martha continues to give Donny the love and attention he has been craving and working for throughout his career. As Martha walks into his life, he feels more validated with what he does and that gratification he obtains makes it more challenging for him to see past the underlying issues Martha has.
Moreover, there are moments throughout the series wherein Martha bursts out, terrifying Donny. While these may be perceived as immediate “red flags” for Donny and the audience, it's rather more of a situation that emotionally manipulates himself to be on the good side of Martha due to, once again, the attention he gets from her.
The show also tackles the issue of sexual assault and abuse. “Baby Reindeer” is gut-wrenching and those planning to watch the show should be wary of this trigger warning. The series does well in handling these with nuance and care without being a typical moral lecture seen in other shows. While you’ll be caught off-guard by the sudden shifts in scenes, the show crafts those themes seamlessly while still adhering to its core message.
Going above and beyond reality
In terms of the show’s pacing, “Baby Reindeer” leaves audiences hooked on its thrill, with each episode as hair-raising as its last. One can compare the unsettling ambience of the series to Emma Seligman’s drama comedy film Shiva Baby but on a whole different level. There are even moments when audiences could feel second-hand embarrassment from Donny as a character during his comedy performances in the show which adds more to the discomfort of the series.
Additionally, Gadd and Scott are phenomenal in their acting. Martha’s uneasy peals of laughter paired with close-up shots of Donny’s uncertain emotions, both actors immerse the audience into the series’ story. Furthermore, while people are deep into the narrative of Donny, they can find a side plot with Teri (Nava Mau) who is also as notable as the lead characters as she tries to help Donny deal with Martha’s obsession for him.
Unraveling the webs of obsession and irony
“Baby Reindeer” is certainly a surprise hit this year. As it treads along serious topics and themes through a black comedy lens, it doesn’t fail to entertain viewers and give them a better understanding of how trauma and abuse work. Despite that, there’s still some irony that comes with the release of this show.
As reported by Vulture, for a series that talks about a serial stalker, Gadd pleads to fans of the show to refrain from stalking the real lives that inspired the characters of “Baby Reindeer.” Both Donny and Martha are victims and that is something that people should see. At the same time though, Martha’s actions are still unacceptable and shouldn’t be unwarranted.
With that, Gadd’s black comedy series emerges not only as a crime-like thriller but also as a compelling exploration of the human psyche. Through its raw portrayals of trauma, abuse, and its effects, Gadd invites audiences into a world where the lines between victims and perpetrators blur.
The show challenges viewers to confront the uncomfortable truths about power dynamics, emotional manipulation, and the lasting scars that come with it. “Baby Reindeer” was not merely created to be entertainment, but to provoke thoughts for its audience and make people ponder even after the credits roll.
Dive into the gripping experiences of Donny Dunn in “Baby Reindeer” streaming only on Netflix.
