Baby Reindeer

Possibly the toughest series I've ever watched, on so many levels - not least the fact that it's based on a true story.

Really had little idea where it was going, and was expecting something quite light hearted, if I'm honest.

Light hearted, it isn't.

It's a great cast, and the acting is very good.

I found it very difficult to like any of the characters at all - and going back to the fact that it's predominantly true - I found myself questioning some of the decisions that were made by the main protagonist.

I also found myself wanting to watch some of the scenes (including the stand up routines) through my fingers.

Episode 4 is particularly tough.

All that said, it's totally engrossing, and brings some huge issues to the fore.

I came back here to review this series following Fiona Harvey (also known as Fiona Muir) A. K. A Martha's appearance on the Piers Morgan show where she denied all allegations made about her in this series.

The most admirable aspect about this series is the fact that Richard, or Donny, never portrayed himself to be just the victim. He was honest about his mistakes, and all the things he may have done to lead Martha on. He also didn't portray Martha to be just an abuser. I think the show did well to portray that Martha also had her good parts and was herself a victim to her childhood tragedies. There was nothing one-sided about the way he told his story. The series is quite unconventional in the way that the narrative was so much than just Victim vs. Abuser. That the story is multi-dimensional and complex.

This is definitely one of the most difficult series I'd had to watch. There were some scenes that left me stunned and speechless. Most importantly, I cannot fathom how painful and difficult it must be for Richard to reenact some of most traumatizing events in his life for the world to see.

I went to bed thinking about this show and finished it the next day as I couldn't think past.

This type of show will stay with you for a long time. I saw a reviewer say how stalkers are glamourised in media, think Netflix's You. This raw and haunting story of comedian Richard Gadd's real life experience of being stalked by a woman he met in a pub and befriended, shows a dark and refreshingly honest portrayal of a terrible stalking experience.

Not only do we see the reasons behind why he did what he did, why he didn't stop when all the signs where pointing to danger, but the background to Richard / Donny's life is so incredibly brave.

Rarely do we see this story line in the media happening to men, although it happens very frequently to women in movies and tv, and for that I think it will strike a chord with many people. I won't elaborate on this more without giving too much away.

To summarise, this show is a must watch, but be warned it is not an easy watch and should come with trigger warnings.

Not being offensive but feel this,like his lame attempts at comedy in the series wasn't great.. Maybe if someone besides him was cast as lead,it possibly"could of"made a more compelling story.

The lead did everything it seems to bring this onto a bigger platform such as Netflix,so feel the story he claims happened was a marketing tool.

After all.. It's also based on his one man play,over his alleged stalker. Fame seeking,anyone? Maybe he is the"actual"Martha making up,what's an otherwise fantasy to a dull or awkward existence.

I get about protecting certain life aspects,but anyone could claim about circumstances to gain attention or profit.. He never provides actual IRL proof(of alleged stalker)when asked in articles his answers are wishy-washy based on this or that,etc. If anything does actually surface,can it be took now as facts or saving face?

Would think if you're a victim & although each person handles it differently,his approach seems unusual to falsely motivated & a slap to those with trauma.. Also who would fantasize,about a stalker to help with gratification? Definitely isn't someone,afraid or not problematic themselves.

Why did I mention,problematic? He didn't seem to maintain good relationships,like with Teri or Keeley only with anything unhealthy & he was aware of it but continued this pattern.. Some people believe it or not,actually thrive in this & use it for personal advantage.

Only redeemable parts basically was episode 6 while on stage & some into episode 7 at his parents,but after that not so again.. He unfortunately never matures or makes smart choices,therefore is clearly his own worst enemy.

What clinched him being a narcissist or traumatic seeker,after the show meltdown went viral he finally gets his fame & throws it away.. Why? Because it wasn't for him,was needing to make sense of Martha stuff even though it was over. Than seeks out his abuser,not for justice or reasons making sense. Bottom line: This guy needs help!

Ever wonder the full reason,on the series title? Baby Reindeer. In episode 7,as it's nearly over you do.

The cinematography & several other production aspects,felt low-quality & amateurish too.

Anyway the only person that really brought a so-called factual story to life.. Was character of Martha,otherwise it was blah.

If bored watch this limited series yet don't expect brilliance,as you might have read or been told.

Not a series to rewatch as don't like something claiming to be one thing,but smells otherwise fishy!

I just finished binge watching the show. It's not an easy watch. It started out a little lighter but the more it progressed the harder it was to watch. Sexual abuse, mental illness, self destruction and trauma are some of the things that you'll see in the show. It's disturbing to think this is a true story.

The acting is phenomenal! I was very impressed with it. You can feel the raw emotion and stress that is going on in the lives of those people. I just can't get past the fact that it's a true story. There's a lot of mental illness and trauma involved. Makes you feel so bad for them. Hope they're all doing better now.