Netflix’s newest show, Baby Reindeer created by Richard Gadd, was released on April 11, 2024. It has received lots of attention from audiences because of its eerie story told from the perspective of a stalking victim. The show is based on Gadd’s experience with a desperate stalker, and shows implications of mental health, manipulation, and harassment. As people watch the series, it evokes a mix of shock, curiosity, and enjoyment for the audience on the show’s display of real events.
Not only did Gadd create Baby Reindeer from his own life, he also stars in the show as Donny Dunn. The story follows Dunn as he deals with being stalked by Martha Scott, played by Jessica Gunning, a woman he first meets when she comes into the bar he works at. The series reveals the tension and emotional impact of the stalking, giving viewers a deep look into Gadd’s experience.
The show provides the viewer with an eerie feeling throughout the show. As you watch, it begins to seem far-fetched and unrealistic, but then you’re reminded that it is based on his real life and that uncomfortable feeling returns.
“I think that it’s weird. It’s based on a true story. I mean, you don’t expect stuff like that to happen in a man’s life. I mean, the guy who’s the main character of the story, or the person who it’s based off of, all that’s happening to him in a span of six months is honestly absurd,” junior Nathan Hadley describes.
“I didn’t think someone would take stalking to such an absurd level,” junior Dillon Mcguire claimed. Both Hadley and Mcguire made it clear that the true story element is what makes the show compelling.
The show has been well received by viewers and many men appreciate the show drawing attention to the male experience. The show is a good example that this harassment can happen to anyone and you never know who may be struggling. Gadd’s character tried to keep this part of his life hidden under the premonition that it would make him less of a man.
This belief leads to problems and emotional experiences for Donny. For example, when he tries to go to the police about his stalker he isn’t well received, as he had waited so long to report her. He also learns about his father’s experiences with assault allowing him to relate to his family in a deep way. The plot develops so much throughout the show and it becomes hard to keep track of how much turmoil has been brought into Gadds life in this short time.
Viewers enjoyed the structure of the show. “I feel like there’s a new plot in every episode, or it’s just continuing up on another plot from a previous one,” Hadley exclaimed. This way of telling the story keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, always wanting to know what happens next.
The show takes many dark turns and keeps the viewer engaged through every episode. The show is a limited series on Netflix, but has consistently remained in the top 10 since its release. Those who have watched the show recommend it to others and commend its uniqueness.
