Netflix has a knack for burying its best gems, but every so often a show emerges that demands your attention. Baby Reindeer, the 2024 limited series from comedian Richard Gadd, is exactly that—a near-flawless psychological thriller that clocks in at just seven episodes and under four hours. It's a rare find in the streaming era, where shows often overstay their welcome. This one, however, leaves you breathless.
At its core, Baby Reindeer is a fictionalized retelling of Gadd's own harrowing experiences with a stalker. Gadd stars as Donny Dunn, a struggling stand-up comic who works a bar to make ends meet. His act is quirky, his jokes don't always land, but he's determined to make it. That all changes when he offers a simple act of kindness—a cup of tea to a crying woman named Martha (Jessica Gunning). What follows is a descent into obsession that will have you on edge from start to finish.
Martha's fixation on Donny is immediate and terrifying. She showers him with nicknames, including the titular "baby reindeer," and weaves a delusional narrative that they're destined to be together. But what makes Baby Reindeer stand out from other stalker thrillers is its refusal to play by genre rules. Gadd doesn't just give us a cat-and-mouse chase; he flips the script, turning the story into a raw, unflinching look at toxic masculinity and the ways society dismisses male victims.
Donny's fears are constantly minimized because Martha is a woman. His male colleagues and friends brush off his concerns, implying that a man should be able to handle a woman's attention. This internalized misogyny eats at Donny, making him question his own reality. He's trapped in a cycle of shame and self-doubt, and Martha, as terrifying as she is, becomes the only source of validation he has. It's a deeply uncomfortable dynamic that Gadd handles with remarkable nuance.
The series also delves into Donny's sexuality and identity. He begins a relationship with Teri (Nava Mau), a trans American therapist, but their connection is fraught with complications. Donny's shame about his own past and his fear of being seen with Teri in public add another layer to his psychological turmoil. This all culminates in the show's most devastating episode, a brutal flashback that reveals the root of Donny's trauma.
In Episode 4, we learn that Donny was groomed and sexually assaulted by a male comedian. The assault, which he never reported, has haunted him for years, shaping his relationships and his sense of self. It's a candid and harrowing portrayal of sexual assault, a topic rarely tackled with such honesty in a comedy-adjacent series. The revelation reframes everything we've seen, explaining why Donny is so reluctant to report Martha to the police. He's been conditioned to believe that no one will believe him.
Baby Reindeer is a masterclass in storytelling, blending dark humor with profound horror. It's the kind of show that stays with you long after the credits roll, a psychological thriller that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant. If you're looking for a binge that's as thought-provoking as it is gripping, this is it. And if you're in the mood for more under-the-radar gems, check out our list of binge-worthy Netflix shows that deliver in under 40 episodes.
For those who appreciate a good thriller, Baby Reindeer is a must-watch. It's a testament to the power of storytelling, and a reminder that sometimes the most terrifying monsters are the ones we create in our own minds. Don't miss this one.
