Have you ever thought about how a simple act of kindness could spiral into a terrifying mess? Richard Gadd experienced this firsthand when he became the target of a middle-aged serial stalker named Martha.

The Scottish stand-up comedian transformed his harrowing encounter, and its two-year aftermath, into a one-man play called “Baby Reindeer”, which garnered critical acclaim when it premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2019.

Now, “Baby Reindeer” has been adapted into a gripping seven-episode limited series on Netflix. It follows Donny, a struggling comedian played by Gadd himself, whose life takes a dark turn when Martha (Jessica Gunning) becomes fixated on him after he offers her a free cup of tea.

Initially, the show uses dark comedy to explore the oddity of their friendship. But the tone shifts dramatically as Martha’s behaviour escalates, becoming more and more disturbing as Donny’s irritation at her incessant messages turns into fear and paranoia.

Navigating difficult topics such as trauma, mental health and stalking with a delicate touch, “Baby Reindeer” offers a realistic portrayal of stalking behaviour and the toll it takes on its victims: the constant fear, the invasion of privacy, the disruption it brings to every aspect of everyday life.

Moreover, the series delves into the complex web of mental health issues that can underpin stalking and obsession, steering away from simplistic demonisation and instead prompting viewers to consider the deeper roots of such actions.

While “Baby Reindeer” is compelling and well-executed, it’s important to acknowledge the show’s intense content. The graphic portrayal of stalking and its psychological effects, as well as sexual violence, may be difficult for some to watch.

Episode four, in particular, takes a deep dive into Donny’s troubled past and is probably one of the most bone-chilling and disturbing episodes on television today. Without giving too much away, the show imbues this particular episode with an insidiousness that will leave you perturbed for days.

In terms of performances, both Gadd and Gunning deliver raw, vulnerable portrayals of deeply flawed characters. They depict two individuals who, in their brokenness, inflict pain upon each other in a twisted quest for validation.

Gadd’s portrayal of Donny as the stalking escalates and his psyche unravels is particularly compelling. His mounting fear, paranoia, and desperation is achingly real, culminating in an 11-minute monologue/unravelling in episode 6.

Yet, at the same time, he induces annoyance in viewers with his self-sabotaging tendencies.

Meanwhile, Gunning is equally laudable, if not more so: she avoids portraying Martha as a one-dimensional villain and, instead, captures the character’s loneliness, her warped sense of entitlement, and even sadness.

This complexity makes Martha’s actions all the more unnerving, showcasing the chilling reality of how seemingly ordinary people can become stalkers.

Ultimately, “Baby Reindeer” leans more towards the dark than the comedic, even though it thankfully has enough humour to offset the devastation that unfolds. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of an all-too-disturbing reality; as a result, its heavy themes and visceral portrayals of trauma linger in the mind long after the final credits roll.

And as the series continues to garner critical acclaim and the real-life “Martha” reportedly comes out of the woodwork, the question remains: are you prepared to dive into this twisted world and confront its unsettling truths?

‘Baby Reindeer’ is currently streaming on Netflix.