Baby Reindeer, the limited TV show is not only a nerve-wracking journey but is also a biographical limited series and is also one of the top TV shows on Netflix. The British black comedy drama thriller consists of seven episodes. Tracing stalking, sexual abuse and victimisation, the show is an invaluable window into the experience of someone (Gadd) who has experienced all three things in real life.
Starring Richard Gadd as Donny Dunn- a bartender and comedian, Jessica Gunning as Martha Scott (a former lawyer with a criminal past) and Nava Mau as Teresa (Teri) a therapist whom Donny meets on a trans dating site, the story has all the ingredients for a thriller.
As from the title, Baby Reindeer is one of the many nicknames Martha uses to address Donny Dunn as he resembles a stuffed animal she once cherished as a child and still has to this day.
The show is based on real-life experiences in the early twenties of Richard Gadd. Stalked by a customer who regularly visits the pub at which Richard works at; Richard is also sexually assaulted by a comedy writer who takes him under his wing.
Martha Scott is a deeply troubled customer who keeps visiting the bar that Donny works at. As each day passes by her obsession with Donny grows, stirring up an earlier trauma in Donny’s life and jeopardising his relationships, his work, his home and his sense of self.
The stalking becomes disturbing to view as Martha leaves him with hundreds of voicemails and emails, incessantly. What is even more startling is how Donny’s parents get involved and the police become familiar with the case. Martha’s ‘obsession’ with Donny becomes the bleak and scary life that he lives where he is always trying to escape her presence.
One can feel the sheer embarrassment that Donny goes through as he tries to make a living as a struggling comedian and bartender. All the issues that are portrayed throughout the show are dealt with nuance and care. Trauma and abuse can create many cyclical and intractable problems which may take many years to recover from.
However, there is also a fair amount of people who feel pity and remorse for Martha and Donny’s callous attitude towards her.
I would highly recommend watching this show with caution as there are very graphic portrayals of sexual assault and mental health issues.
