In the first three episodes, we see Donnie making so many wrong calls and making so many mistakes with Martha. baby reindeer It starts to feel like tired TV. It’s involved, but very unpleasant viewing. Donnie’s reluctance to report Martha’s behavior and her boundaries with Martha, even though Donnie sexually assaulted her by molesting her, which she did not want. I’m perplexed that you don’t try to set it. He is clearly in danger and she clearly needs help. So why is he letting this continue?
Once Episode 4 has done its job, the cruelty of that question becomes clear. “Why do you let it continue?” It turns out that Donnie is constantly asking himself not only about Martha, but also about a defining episode in his past that derailed his sense of self. Five years ago, Donnie was groomed, drugged and raped by major figures in the comedy industry. It was the culmination of a series of drugged sexual assaults by the rapist, to which Donnie did not consent, unable to consent as he was unconscious, but fought back repeatedly, clearly by choice.
baby reindeer‘s portrayal of rape is one of the most honest and insightful TV dramas on the subject, and in the context of this cool, relatable, male-driven Netflix series, it has the potential to make a positive impact on the world. It’s a highly sexual work. It is no exaggeration to say that telling this story fully and insightfully from the perspective of a male survivor could potentially save lives.
Recent dramas are effectively dispelling the myth that rape is a crime committed at knifepoint by a stranger in a dark alley.what baby reindeer It captures with great truth the dehumanization and destabilizing aftermath of abuse. When Donnie was drugged and sexually assaulted for the first time, his rapist refused to acknowledge what he had just committed. He covers it straight up and offers the barely conscious Donnie a drink, which he accepts absentmindedly. This happens over and over and over again. The unrecognized assault is followed by a friendly and friendly exchange, all of which are quietly hushed by the dynamics of a man who is successful in the industry and a young comic who promises him a big opportunity. I am supported. The rapist uses a series of flattery, coldness, praise and abuse to control Donnie and render him incomprehensible, while also using powerful Class A drugs. After that, his self-consciousness is written off. Does he have talent? Is he adorable? Is he responsible? Does he have something?
All of that is much better articulated and answered by episode 4’s revealing, raw narration. baby reindeerThe first question is why did it take so long for Donnie to report Martha? “I couldn’t stand the irony that she reported her and he didn’t.” he. Confessing to her meant confessing to him, but I hadn’t admitted him to anyone yet. ”
This revealing and true episode is baby reindeer It turns a good show into a great show. Episode 4 is like a light turning on behind his X-ray scan of Donnie’s mind, illuminating previously dark paths, connections, and areas of damage. His remaining three episodes build on the knowledge provided to form an honest, sharply written drama that turns pain into understanding and perhaps suffering into help.
