What began as an innocent exchange between a bartender and a lonely woman in a pub spirals into a harrowing ordeal in this British psychological drama-thriller miniseries, Baby Reindeer, based on real-life events, now streaming on Netflix.
Donny, a bartender and aspiring comedian, finds himself drawn into Martha’s world when she, seemingly troubled, frequents the bar. Despite claiming to be a lawyer with a prestigious clientele, she never pays for her drinks, yet spends countless hours there. Over time, she bestows Donny with various nicknames, including Baby Reindeer.
As Martha delves deeper into Donny’s life, she obtains his email address and bombards him with messages, escalating to following him and even groping him on one occasion.
The relentless stalking persists for six months, culminating in Martha’s violent attack on a transgender woman Donny is dating. Shaken, Donny finally seeks help from the police, who question his delay in reporting the harassment.
This seven-episode miniseries offers a chilling portrayal of Richard Gadd’s autobiographical account, shedding light on his real-life experience of stalking and assault in his twenties.
The series unfolds as Donny (portrayed by Richard Gadd) files a complaint against his tormentor, prompting a flashback to the preceding six months, chronicling his encounters with Martha, the stalking, and the subsequent assault on his partner, Teri.
The narrative deepens with Martha’s erratic messages, riddled with typos that mirror her escalating rage. Her vendetta extends beyond Donny, targeting his parents, demonstrating her relentless determination and cunning.
Episode 4 warrants a trigger warning for its depiction of sexual violence, while the remaining episodes delve into Donny’s struggle to come to terms with the trauma. His obsession with wanting to understand Martha’s motives consumes him, leading to the downfall of both his personal and professional life.
While initially intrigued by the premise, I found myself gripped by escalating suspense with each episode, peaking in episode 4. Yet, despite Donny’s subsequent rise to success, I found his relentless pursuit of his stalker’s psychological profile confusing.
In summary, Netflix’s Baby Reindeer delivers a gripping narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, earning it a commendable 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
While I found myself captivated by the series and engaged in a rare binge-watching session, my enthusiasm waned with the final episode. Donny’s descent into obsession with his stalker’s psychological makeup felt like a departure from the intense and compelling storyline that had initially drawn me in.
Despite my mixed feelings, Baby Reindeer remains a standout entry in the psychological thriller genre, offering a thought-provoking exploration of real-life trauma and its aftermath.
Additional Reading: Article announcing details of Baby Reindeer on Tudum.
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