Upon the release of the new series 'Baby Reindeer' on Netflix, few could have predicted the whirlwind of emotions it would evoke, including sadness, depression, and fear. From the trailer, one might expect a simple story about a comedian stalked by an eccentric woman. However, diving into the series reveals a much deeper exploration of stalking and sexual abuse faced by a man.

The series gains an added layer of intrigue due to its basis on the real-life experiences of Richard Gadd, who both stars in and writes the series. This unique perspective offers viewers a glimpse into Gadd's mindset during the ordeal of stalking. In the series, Gadd plays Donny, a struggling comedian working at a pub, whose life takes an unexpected turn when Martha (Jessica Gunning) a convicted stalker, enters his life.

In various scenes of the series, we witness Donny's assault by a man he looks up to, someone who holds considerable power in his world. Despite his awareness of the sexual violation, Donny repeatedly returns to his abuser, resembling the Stockholm syndrome dynamic.

When someone experiences trauma, one of the initial reactions they may feel is denial. This phase often persists for a certain period of time, as they struggle to come to terms with what has happened and how it could have occurred. Thus, Donny's experience of rape or Martha's stalking is likely viewed through the lens of denial.

In a way, both of them have constructed cocoons around themselves, residing in separate realities. Donny creates an alternate identity to escape the weight of his true self, while Martha presents herself as a desirable woman who connects with Donny. Their worlds collide, plunging them into chaos as they navigate their intertwined existence.