This show is difficult for me to review cause from a technical standpoint it's amazing. The acting, direction, pacing, and writing are all amazing. I was gripped from the beginning. But then it transformed into something I was certainly not expecting in the 4th episode. I've finished the whole show and I feel icky. It's not the sexual violence and rape that has me most unsettled but the depiction of Richard "Donny" and his own mental illness. I can't help but feel like this show is a self indulgent public lashing. Everyone is praising him for being so raw and brave tackling sexual violence and grooming. On one hand I appreciate his willingness to be honest with the depiction of himself warts and all. On the other hand, this is a true story depicting his personal true story graphic rapes, sexual promiscuity and deep-seeded sexual confusion/unhealthy behaviors stemming from his abuser, graphic drug abuse, lies, narcissism, soul crushing insecurity, public embarrassment, deeply unhealthy relationships with stalker and others near him, and more. Where he went, disaster followed. I'm not saying that these things don't happen in life. But I'm not sure it's meant to be prettied up on a high rated Netflix show and herald as entertainment. I screamed at the screen multiple times for him to go to a therapist. If this was a fictional story maybe I'd feel differently, but it's not. And at the end of it the conclusion of all his trials there's nothing to glean from it. I'm left feeling empty, sick, and deeply sad for him. I hope he can truly seek help.
Review of Baby Reindeer
