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It’s not often that a show or movie blows up hours after its released. “Baby Reindeer” has joined this elite group, telling the most chilling story that has captivated global critics and audiences., including myself.
This new drama-thriller stars Richard Gadd as Donny Dunn, a comedian who lives through a nightmare when he is stalked and harassed by a woman named Martha (Jessica Gunning). What makes this series so successful is that it is actually based on a true story. Gadd, being the one who experienced months of mental torture from his stalker, created these lightly fictionalized episodes to better emulate his trauma.
“Baby Reindeer” first came out in the form of an hour-long play. Gadd performed this play in Edinburgh in 2019 by focusing on the most important details. The seven-episode Netflix series gave him the chance to fully flesh out his stalker experience, which so far, has left me and many other people stunned.
Article continues belowIf you need something truly chilling to stream, here's my review of “Baby Reindeer," including why it deserves a spot on your watchlist.
What is ‘Baby Reindeer’ about?
“Baby Reindeer” is a true story based on Richard Gadd's encounter with a stalker and how it spirals out of control. When his fictional alter ego Donny first meets the woman ‘Martha’ while working at the pub, the two share some flirty banter, which ultimately creates her obsession with the comedian.
The true fear behind this series comes from the raw experience. Gadd uses this character to show how he felt during that time, and just how much Martha was destroying his life over the years. Gadd wanted to express his trauma and the way he dealt with the situation, especially when he was already battling demons from his past.
Want to know a chilling fact? Gadd's stalker actually sent him 41,071 emails, 46 Facebook messages, 106 letters, 744 tweets, and voicemails adding up to 350 hours. With that social media harassment came random gifts too, including a baby reindeer toy, since that’s what she liked to call him.
Truthfully, “Baby Reindeer” is an important series to watch. It shows how the legal system isn’t serious enough about this type of harassment, and that Martha was suffering from a mental illness that she wasn’t getting help for.
You need to stream ‘Baby Reindeer' on Netflix
Should you stream "Baby Reindeer" on Netflix? Obviously, the answer is a resounding "yes!" If you want something utterly raw and deeply chilling, Gadd's seven-episode series will have you on the edge of your seat. It’s safe to say that this story will root itself in your mind and leave you uncomfortable for days on end, which isn’t a bad thing when an important story like this is needed.
After their initial meeting, Martha began showing up every day, spinning elaborate stories about her life and supposed career achievements that initially amused Donny. He found himself intrigued by her dramatic, clearly exaggerated tales and humored her, believing she was mostly harmless. That changed when she casually asked for his phone number. Without giving it much thought, Donny handed it over. Once she had a direct way to contact him outside the pub, the messages started flooding in — thousands of texts that shifted from odd but harmless ramblings to explicit, unsettling, and eventually threatening.
Donny soon realized there was no easy way to get away from Martha; something about her behavior was clearly and profoundly wrong. Gadd’s storytelling is definitely fearless, tackling the most traumatic moments of his life with honesty and a remarkable sense of empathy. He doesn’t simplify anyone in his narrative as entirely good or entirely bad. It’s evident he is still processing these experiences, and his storytelling captures the reality that healing is rarely a straight path.
If you’re able to handle a series that dives into intense personal traumas, this one is truly exceptional, anchored by some outstanding performances. The less you know going in, the better, but be aware: it’s one of the most impressively written, brilliantly acted, and uncomfortably gripping shows you’re likely to watch all year.
I could go on about how much of a masterpiece “Baby Reindeer” is, from the extremely remarkable acting to the harrowing stalking that Gunning’s character carries out throughout the show. But it’s important to focus on the message here: how mental illness and the policy of stalking should be taken more seriously.
All seven episodes of “Baby Reindeer” are available to stream on Netflix right now. Go check it out if you want to experience something brilliantly eerie and tense.
Stream "Baby Reindeer" on Netflix
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