Baby Reindeer: Intense, Dark, and Real
By Anthony Heron
(Baby reindeer promotional poser. Credit: Deadline)
Netflix’s “Baby Reindeer”, based on the real life of creator and star Richard Gadd, tells the story of failing comedian Donny Dunn, as his life is turned upside down by serial stalker Martha, played by Jessica Gunning.
Richard Gadd gives a star making performance. He originally told this story as a one-man play, and the transition to the small screen is almost seamless. Seeing as this series is based on Gadd’s on stalker experience, he brings an authenticity to the role, portraying a fear and panic when acting across from Gunning that’s palpable through the screen.
Despite the true nature of the story, it is a fictionalisation, and Donny Dunn is a fictional character, giving the opportunity for pathos outside Gadd’s own experiences. He’s particularly impressive in episodes four and six, the heaviest episodes of the season, Donny Dunn is at his most interesting at his lowest points, and Gadd does an immense job of showing the emotional weight of Dunn’s shoulders.
Jessica Gunning, a relatively unknown actress, having only made small appearances in numerous projects over the years, gives the kind of performance that only a seasoned actress could. Martha may be a stalker, but at her core she’s a lonely woman struggling with mental illness, and Gunning shows this side to the character in a way that elicits sympathy despite the characters heinous actions. Gunning is equally adept at showing Martha in her more manic moments, bringing a menace to the role that makes her as frightening as she is sympathetic.
Perhaps the most impressive part of this mini-series is how well it manages its subject matter. In just seven episodes the show addresses mental illness, sexual assault, LGBT issues, and the negative effects of celebrity culture. The writing allows room for these issues to be shown accurately while still leaving room for humour in the appropriate places.
These issues aren’t addressed subtly, but they’re also not handled in a way that’s heavy-handed or pandering. This almost definitely comes from the fact it’s based so heavily on Gadd’s own life. These issues are all his own and he knows how to portray them in a way that’s raw and real.
Baby Reindeer is more than worth your time. The performances and story come together to create a story that is as disturbing as it is enthralling. You’ll think about it long after you’ve finished the seven episodes, and by the end you’ll want to see more from Richard Gadd.
Baby Reindeer is available to watch exclusively on Netflix.