Netflix’s Baby Reindeer has garnered significant attention, not only for its gripping storyline but also for the revelation that its lead actor, Richard Gadd, is the real-life stalking victim depicted in the series. The show follows Donny Dunn (Gadd), a struggling comic, who endures relentless harassment and stalking from Martha Scott (Jessica Gunning) for four and a half years. Martha’s relentless pursuit of Donny, her invasion of his personal life, and her constant emails escalate to her presence at his workplace, lurking outside his home, and showing up at his comedy gigs.
Viewers expressed shock upon discovering the true story behind Baby Reindeer, with one viewer tweeting, “Baby Reindeer is insane but the fact that 1) it’s a true story 2) the main actor is the actual victim of the true story in real life makes it that much CRAZIER.” Another viewer remarked, “I am speechless. The fact it’s a true story AND the lead actor was the victim of the true story. Wow.” Gadd’s portrayal of his experiences has been widely praised, with one viewer writing, “Imagine taking the worst period of life and making it into a masterpiece, then reliving it by acting as the main lead.”
The Independent’s four-star review of Baby Reindeer highlights the series as “a visceral testimony to the psychological torment that Gadd experienced,” describing it as “twisty, mature, self-interrogating stuff that will leave you more troubled than tickled.” Viewers have commended Gadd’s complex portrayal of abuse, sexual violence, and the often overlooked experiences of male victims of harassment. One viewer called it a “masterpiece,” emphasizing Gadd’s unflinching honesty in confronting and processing his trauma through art.
In an interview with The Independent, Gadd expressed his concerns about the lack of resources for victims of stalking, having firsthand experience with reporting a case to the police. He stated, “Going through the police process on [the stalking case], I really did feel quite confronted with just how kind of how much lack of resources there seemed to be – how the police have been gutted.” Gadd added that his direct involvement with his stalker has ended, but the emotional impact lingers.
Baby Reindeer, now streaming on Netflix, serves as a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the devastating effects of stalking and the need for increased support for victims of this heinous crime.
