Richard Gadd became a household name after Baby Reindeer took Netflix by storm in 2024. That seven-part limited series, based on his own harrowing experience with a stalker, earned 11 Emmy nominations and six wins, thanks to its raw honesty and powerhouse performances. Now, Gadd is back with a new project on HBO, and it's already being hailed as a masterpiece. Half Man premiered in April, and it's a six-episode drama that's every bit as compelling as his breakout hit.
What Is 'Half Man' About?
Half Man tells the story of two quasi-brothers growing up in Scotland in the late 1980s. Niall Kennedy (played by Mitchell Robertson as a youth and Jamie Bell as an adult) is a shy boy bullied at school. His mother is in a relationship with a woman who has a son, Ruben Pallister (Stuart Campbell as a youth, Richard Gadd as an adult). Ruben is Niall's opposite: boisterous, arrogant, and prone to violent outbursts. The two are drawn together, each finding something they need in the other, but their bond becomes increasingly toxic. The series jumps between two timelines, showing their lives as young men and decades later, when one of them is about to get married. Themes of toxic masculinity, homophobia, and trauma weave through the narrative, making it a haunting exploration of a relationship that's both magnetic and destructive.
Why 'Half Man' Is a Must-Watch
What sets Half Man apart is its masterful storytelling. The alternating timelines let viewers see the building blocks of this poisonous bond and where it leads. The tension builds steadily, making you feel like you're holding your breath until the final credits. The cast is phenomenal: Jamie Bell delivers a gripping performance as the adult Niall, making his mistakes feel painfully real. Richard Gadd's Ruben is gruff and terrifying, yet layered with emotional depth. When they share scenes, the electric strain between them is palpable. The younger actors, Robertson and Campbell, are equally skilled, drawing us into the twisted journey from the start. Supporting roles, like Niall's unsupportive mother (Neve McIntosh) and his kind college roommate Alby (Bilal Hasna and Charlie De Melo), flesh out the world. There are visceral scenes of violence that are hard to watch, but the series is impossible to turn away from because of its brutal authenticity.
If you're looking for more binge-worthy shows, check out our list of 6 Perfect Miniseries to Binge in One Night—Half Man fits right in. For fans of intense dramas, this is a standout.
A Masterpiece of Tension and Tragedy
From the very first scene, it's clear there are no happy endings in Half Man. The way Ruben and Niall are drawn to each other is thrilling but tragic. A twist in the penultimate episode will have you racing to the finale. This is a drama that rewards your attention, showcasing Gadd's immense talent as a writer and actor. Tune in to appreciate his craft, but stick around for a story that's well worth your time.
