Netflix’s Baby Reindeer has been generating a lot of buzz the past few weeks because for many, it was a work of art. However, like any other film/show, there were also a lot of critics that found the series too disturbing, or even exploitative. This dark comedic miniseries based on Richard Gadd’s real-life experiences with a stalker and his own buried trauma, is undeniably uncomfortable viewing. But within that discomfort actually deeply explores mental health, victimhood, and the complexities of human relationships.
We’ve watched this series for three consecutive days, and honestly, it could’ve been faster if we hadn’t stopped to take breaks because some scenes were really a bit too much. If you’re planning to binge-watch this in one sitting, we recommend you have a super fast connection like fiber internet so you can really enjoy the series. So, without ado, here’s our thoughts regarding Baby Reindeer.
Baby Reindeer Cast
The entire cast of this TV series was superb, and the acting was on point too. There were probably some scenes where the acting could’ve been better, but honestly, if you’re just a casual viewer who isn’t really technical, you’ll find them very pleasing. The chemistry of the cast was there, so it was nice to watch. Here’s the major cast of Baby Reindeer:
- Richard Gadd as Donny
- Jessica Gunning as Martha
- Nava Mau as Teri
- Tom Goodman-Hill as Darrien O’Connor
- Danny Kirrane as Gino
- Nina Sosanya as Liz
Right now, Baby Reindeer is only available on Netflix. It’s still new, so it will take time for it to be available on other streaming platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or Sling TV.
The Stalking and The Stalker
The story starts with Donny, a struggling comedian, who’s working as a bartender at a local pub. We quickly get a sense of his life – the dead-end job, the unappreciative clientele, the yearning for something more. Then, Martha walks in. At first, she seems like just another patron, a lonely woman seeking connection. Donny offered her a free cup of tea on the house because as he said, he felt bad for Martha because she’s looking down.
However, as their interactions become more frequent, the red flags start to appear. Martha’s comments become increasingly personal, her laughter a touch too manic, which can make anyone uncomfortable. It’s during one of these shifts that Martha, his future stalker, first enters his life. The thing is, Donny was a sucker for attention and recognition, and Martha gives that to him wholeheartedly. Even though he knows deep down something’s off, he can’t help but be flattered by her focus. It’s a twisted form of validation that led him to this unfortunate situation. What if he never offered Martha a free cup of tea? Would everything be different?
While watching, we’d constantly ask ourselves: Is Donny naive or is he just trying to get something out of the situation? Also, just a piece of advice as mentioned earlier, it would help to have stable wireless internet when watching this show. Going back to Martha. She started sending tons of emails, showing up unannounced at his gigs, and even started harassing his girlfriend, Teri. The show doesn’t shy away from the emotional toll this takes on Donny, but the way his POV was delivered is clearly a way to deflect the seriousness of the situation.
The Grooming and The Groomer
While the TV show focused more on the stalking, there is another major occurrence that actually explains why Donny is, well, Donny. Why he thinks like that, why he acts like that, and why he might have been susceptible to manipulation by someone like Martha. Darrien O’Connor is a successful TV writer who befriends Donny at a club. He promised Donny fame and fortune and even showered him with compliments and attention.
Of course, Donny is driven to make it to the limelight and get validation for his comedic talents. However, as he continuously visits Darrien at his home to do “some work”, he realizes that something’s not right. Darrien turns out to be manipulative and sexually abusive, introducing Donny to drugs and exploitation.
This subplot, though disturbing, is an important part of his story as it shows the past trauma that left him emotionally vulnerable. We see flashbacks of a younger Donny, hinting at the abuse he suffered. This trauma directly affects how he interacts with the world, especially with women. It explains his conflicting desires for attention and his fear of intimacy.
Our Verdict
We really liked Baby Reindeer and would give it a 10 out of 10. We’d love to discuss everything in detail, but we didn’t want to spoil the series for you. It was an excellent show, but remember that it isn’t for everyone. There are a lot of disturbing scenes that can be damaging for some. So, keep that in mind.
