Warning: This post contains spoilers for the Netflix series Baby Reindeer.
A woman walks into a bar…..
I rarely turn on the TV, preferring the tranquility of books on tape or soft music during my evening yoga sessions. But after being blown away by the unexpected brilliance of’ Ripley,’ which I recently wrote about, and now Baby Reindeer, I think I should make it a more regular occurrence. It's clear that the quality of television is on the rise, and it's a trend worth exploring.
Baby Reindeer is currently the most-watched TV series in the UK and has tweaked the imagination of more than one resident. This became evident as the story unfolded… so much so that I had to laugh.
Netflix’s Baby Reindeer is a program that I almost skipped because of its title. Who, other than a 5-year-old, wants to watch something called “Baby Reindeer”? Fortunately, I’d been reading about Richard Gadd, the program’s producer, writer, and star, who created an award-winning one-man show upon which this series was based. A friend had seen the show while in Europe and had raved about it, so I was curious enough to tune in. It wasn’t a mistake.
The show thrust me into the unsettling reality of his barman-turned-comedian’s world, whose mundane shift at a Scottish bar spiraled into a nightmare of obsession and intrusion. Chillingly adapted from the stage play, the series meticulously documents the surreal descent into a stalker’s grip, exploring the boundaries between public and private lives with unsettling clarity.
From the outset, Baby Reindeer gripped my attention with its stark portrayal of the ease with which a seemingly innocent interaction can evolve into a life-altering ordeal. Gadd, played by himself, serves a drink to a customer named Martha, a role chillingly embodied by Jennifer Gunning, whose performance oscillates between sad and terrifying but always remains within the boundaries of excellence.
Within 30 seconds of her introduction, Martha’s character manifests most of the symptoms of the Borderline Personality Disorder possessed by the actual Martha Scott in real life. Her fixation starts harmlessly but quickly escalates, portraying a transformation that is both mesmerizing and horrifying to witness.
The show’s direction masterfully amplifies this tension, utilizing claustrophobic close-ups and a hauntingly sparse soundtrack that mirrors Gadd’s growing isolation.
This show's refusal to simplify the narrative into a clear-cut victim-versus-perpetrator dichotomy sets it apart. Instead, it delves into the complex psychodynamics of stalking, with Gadd’s own vulnerabilities and past traumas surfacing as he confronts his increasingly porous sense of safety. The series challenged me to consider the psychological underpinnings of both characters, adding layers to what could easily have been a one-dimensional portrayal.
The series' pacing is relentless, mirroring the inescapability of the robust Martha’s obsession. Each episode builds on the last, creating an atmosphere of dread that is nearly palpable. The viewer is pulled deeper into Gadd’s psychological turmoil, reflected through disorienting editing techniques that mimic his mental fragmentation. It’s a stylistic choice that serves to align viewers with Gadd’s perspective and underline the series’ central theme: the unyielding presence of a stalker.
Baby Reindeer is a profound commentary on the invasion of privacy and the scars left by psychological torment. I carry some of those scars, so I related to what the guy was going through.
It is a series that does not shift away from discomfort, compelling its audience to confront their own boundaries and the dark realities of human obsession. As a stark, unflinching look at one man’s ordeal, the series offers no easy resolutions, leaving us with a lingering sense of unease about the safe spaces and the faces we deem harmless. This is storytelling at its most raw and honest, a psychological thriller that ensnares the psyche of its audience as tightly as Martha clings to Gadd. Ah, but the story doesn’t end with the stalker being banished.
After she leaves, Gadd’s life spirals further into chaos, painting a harrowing picture of a man grappling with the aftershocks of trauma. The relentless pursuit by Martha leaves deep psychological scars, pushing Gadd into a shadowy underworld as he struggles to reclaim a sense of normalcy.
Desperate for escape and unable to process his experiences healthily, he turns to substance abuse, which only further entangles him in a life far removed from his previous existence as a barman and budding comedian.
As he descends into his dark phase, he begins to exchange sexual favors for money and drugs, a stark departure from his former self. This new chapter of his life is marked by a series of degrading and dangerous encounters that serve as a misguided attempt to regain control and numb his lingering pain. His journey into prostitution is not glamorized but depicted as a sad consequence of his unresolved trauma and the breakdown of his mental health.
This period becomes a crucial turning point for the character, forcing him to confront the darkest parts of himself and the profound impact of his ordeal. The narrative does not shy away from showing the gritty and painful reality of his choices, ultimately setting the stage for a possible, albeit difficult, redemption.
Why should you watch this series? I recommend it first based on its powerful storytelling. Gadd’s talent offers a compelling and intense narrative based on actual events, which makes it even more enjoyable. These things delve deep into the psychological impact of the stalking incident. The acting is outstanding, especially by the actors who play Martha and Gadd, playing himself.
The story has great social relevance in that it addresses the significance of stalking and how it can adversely affect one’s peace of mind.
The cinematic quality of this series, with its meticulous direction, haunting cinematography, and suspenseful soundtrack, has all of the elements required for a compelling thriller, topped only by masterful character depth and development. Baby Reindeer provides a profound exploration into the psyche of both the victim and the perpetrator, a balance that encourages viewers to think critically about the circumstances and psychological factors that drive these behaviors, fostering a deeper understanding of human complexities.
Baby Reindeer is by far one of the best shows I have ever watched. I agree with your review, Stacy. It is brilliant!!
I can’t wait to watch this!