Baby Reindeer (2024)★ 8.0/10

I binge-watched this show in one night, and let me tell you, it really shook me. It's hard to put my finger on precisely what got to me. Maybe it's the main character's constant self-analysis and downfall. Or perhaps it's his internal struggle between hating and feeling sympathy for Martha. It could even be that moment at the end of the series when the bar staff offers him a drink while he's feeling down. I'm not entirely sure. But what I do know is that I absolutely loved the cinematography, especially those mirrored bookends. The whole filming is so nuanced and well done. I'm confident this show will be one of the best to follow in 2024.

I've heard that this show is based on a true story. Some of the camera shots are really well done, like those sudden zoom-in close-ups and the high-angle and low-angle shots. They vividly capture the characters' inner thoughts. It's actually quite refreshing that they chose to tell the story from the male character's perspective. The ending is exactly what I expected, showing that Martha has had some tough luck. But that doesn't excuse her from hurting others.

The script is truly remarkable. It's incredibly realistic and a rare gem that focuses on marginalized communities. Given the delicate portrayal of their emotions and psychological states, I could easily empathize with the characters, especially the leading roles. By the way, it is an excellent case study for psychological issues. The male lead's story is easy to understand, and it is undeniably courageous of him to face the person who sexually assaulted him with composure. Moreover, it is a meaningful show that effectively educates the viewers on male victims of sexual assaults.

It's really impactful, and the writing is outstanding. This show excellently portrays the pain of experiencing sexual assault and the changes in the mind that arise from an excessive desire for success. It especially captures the characters' emotional responses to external triggers. It wasn't until later parts of the show that I fully understood the male lead's state of despair and the hardships he had been through. The performances of all the actors are exceptional, successfully depicting different emotional states at different stages—truly impressive.

This show is incredibly intricate. The first complexity lies in the gender role reversal, which provides a fresh and novel viewing experience regardless of one's prior understanding of gender equality. The second complexity lies in the male lead, a character with a twisted nature. The screenwriters did an excellent job developing this character organically within the narrative without it feeling forced. They are truly talented.

It's truly stunning. The male lead is sensitive and fragile, with some talent, desperately seeking acceptance. His struggles and conflicts are depicted in a completely immersive way. Regardless of the challenges her character goes through, the female lead ultimately reveals her vulnerability and sadness as someone who desperately seeks help. Overall, the show beautifully portrays the intricate complexities of human nature throughout the seven episodes, making it one of the best character developments among recent television shows.

The way they portrayed the background and psychological motives of the male lead in the third and fourth episodes was absolutely captivating and convincing! Although the story isn't completely original or from a unique perspective, the sensitive and in-depth portrayal of the victim's psychological state is truly shocking. They provide intricate details while consistently exploring the cause-and-effect relationship between personal experiences and society.

We must keep in mind that, based on real events, this show inherently exploits the main characters, regardless of whether they have their own moral issues. After the third episode, I lost all motivation to keep watching, and I wouldn't say I liked the male lead. Honestly, I only stuck around for the content in the sixth episode, but the rest just left me scratching my head. I think I'd rather switch gears and watch "Misery" or some documentaries about Jeffrey Dahmer and Dennis Nilsen.

This is hands down the most intriguing TV show I've seen in the past couple of years. The thing that really hooks me is how the main character handles the traumas he goes through throughout the series. Love and understanding don't magically fix everything, and he's still haunted by self-doubt and inner struggles. You can feel his sadness, confusion, and hesitation. And that's how I see it when he accepts that free cup of tea at the end.

Let me tell you, this show is awe-inspiring! The writing is off the charts, packing so many twists and turns into just seven episodes. The actors in the lead roles are absolutely phenomenal, especially in that scene playing the female lead’s voice recording. Even without seeing her face, you can feel the raw emotion in her voice. I went from not getting it to being completely blown away by the end. Trust me, this is a show you don't want to miss.

This show isn't really my thing, but somehow, I binge-watched the first episode and craved the next one without even realizing it. There were moments in the third or fourth episode where I almost gave up on the whole storyline, but I pushed through and finished it because it's based on a true story. The plot isn't mind-blowing, but what I really liked was that the main character is also the one who wrote the script. The acting was on point, with such attention to detail. The line between the victim and the culprit sometimes gets blurry, but that kind of impact leaves a lasting mark on your soul.

This is hands down the best TV series of 2024 so far! Richard Gadd's semi-autobiographical work weaves together the protagonist's pursuit of dreams and questions of identity with various elements. It delves into male vulnerability, confusion about sexual orientation, and relationships with transgender women, taking on modern challenges for men, all from a male point of view. It's a fantastic series that you shouldn't miss!