Baby Reindeer: how the Netflix TV show brings a fresh perspective to male sexual victimisation

By Dimitris Akrivos, University of Surrey

This article discusses sexual assault and contains spoilers for Baby Reindeer.

Baby Reindeer is a gripping new Netflix show based on a true story and adapted from an acclaimed play by Scottish actor Richard Gadd. The show delves into the harrowing experiences of its main character, Donny (a fictionalised version of Gadd), whose life unravels after he becomes the target of a female stalker, Martha (played by Jessica Gunning).

Baby Reindeer has captivated audiences with its candid portrayal of male sexual victimisation, stalking and substance abuse. It has also highlighted the important role of popular culture in raising difficult questions around such delicate issues.

The Netflix hit is the latest addition to an ever-growing range of socially aware TV shows providing a form of educating entertainment (or “edutainment”). What differentiates Gadd’s offering, however, from others is that it sheds light on the often overlooked (both in popular culture and in real life) male experiences of sexual violence.

Bringing the male victim out of the shadows

Recent statistics suggest that women are almost three times more likely to be victims of sexual assault than men. So it’s important and understandable that discussions about sexual assault and how it should be tackled prioritise the female perspective.

Despite the impact of the #MeToo movement in encouraging survivors to speak openly about their experiences, the disproportionate emphasis placed on this female victim/male perpetrator narrative has, according to research, rendered male victims almost “invisible”. This is also reflected in popular culture, where stories of male sexual victimisation are far fewer and tend to attract less attention.

Baby Reindeer bucks this trend as it’s become one of the most watched shows on Netflix. The show is harrowing and powerful as it delves into the psychological effects of stalking and sexual victimisation on Donny. Donny’s interactions with a female stalker, Martha, lead to a troubling spiral into vulnerability and mistrust.

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