Netflix has done it again. Surprisingly, they have released a series that no one expected, and yet it has become one of the first cultural phenomena of the year. Baby Reindeer has emerged as an incredible surprise that tops the platform’s catalog this week, all thanks to a disturbing story that, unfortunately, is eerily real.
At first glance, Baby Reindeer might seem like an ordinary dramedy about a comedian dealing with a stalker. Something sadly common but not particularly interesting. However, beneath this unremarkable appearance lies something much worse than that. A story that grabs you and takes you from laughter to tears in just a second.
The series immerses us in a touching and disturbing story, inspired by real events, that explores deep themes such as abuse, trauma, mental health, and guilt. In addition, the protagonist Richard Gadd, who plays a fictional version of himself named Donny Dunn in the series, does not shy away from the fact that it is based to some extent on his own life.
The comedian’s worst nightmare, come true
Throughout the seven episodes, in the fiction of Netflix, we follow the story of Donny as he deals with the obsessive harassment of Martha, a seemingly vulnerable woman who becomes his personal stalker without him expecting it. What starts as a casual encounter in a pub quickly turns into a nightmare for Donny, as Martha follows him everywhere, sending him thousands of emails, voicemails, letters, and tweets, crossing all imaginable boundaries and making it clear how vulnerable we are today to a situation like this.
The most shocking thing of all is that this story is based on Gadd’s own experience. As he recounts, for six years he was harassed by a woman who followed him to his workplace, to his home, and inundated his life with unwanted messages on every imaginable social media platform. Although Gadd reported it from the beginning, the police couldn’t do much about it, since, according to the laws, harassment is not considered a serious crime unless there is an imminent physical threat. This situation highlights the deficiencies of the legal system that often fails to adequately protect victims of harassment, a topic that is raised in the series and makes it clear how little progress we have made, as a society, in some areas.
However, this is not the only problem that the protagonist of the series faces. Donny’s suffering is worsened by another trauma that is even worse: the rape he experiences at the hands of a mentor in the television industry. This traumatic event, which is also based on Gadd’s real-life experience, adds another layer of complexity to the story. In this way, and without being able to do anything to prevent it, Donny finds himself trapped in a web of abuse and manipulation. He is unable to find a way out, and to make matters worse, he must continue with his work.
The series not only shows the devastating impact of harassment and abuse on Donny’s life, but also humanizes his harasser, Martha. Despite her terrifying behavior, the series reminds us that Martha is also a person with serious mental issues. This approach forces us to question our own perceptions about harassers and reminds us that empathy and understanding are crucial, even in such difficult situations.
Above all, the end of the series (yes, spoiler alert) is ambiguous, leaving the viewer with unanswered questions about the fate of the characters. What really happened to Martha? Did Donny manage to find the peace and healing he so desperately needed? These questions force us to reflect on the lasting impact of trauma and the difficulty of finding true resolution in situations as complex as this. Because, ultimately, you never fully recover from situations like this.
Undoubtedly, Baby Reindeer is much more than just a fashion trend. It is a powerful exploration of important issues that countless people face worldwide. Through Donny’s story, Baby Reindeer reminds us of the importance of talking about abuse, harassment, and mental health, and urges us to work together to create a world where everyone feels safe and protected. You have been warned.
