Scene Analysis of the Use of Trauma in Baby Reindeer (2024)

Thank you, Donny.

My life has totally transformed since my first watch through of Baby Reindeer in April of this year. This storytelling masterpiece was initially billed as a black comedy, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that what I walked away from was an encapsulation of interpersonal horror.

To date, I have watched the infamous climax of Episode 4 over 40 times as part of a Exposure Response Prevention Therapy method known as “habituation.” On my first watch before engaging in therapy, I made a point to be under the influence, in an attempt to soften my mind’s reaction to the violence. This episode displays the truest form of my own fears I’ve ever seen on screen.

To culminate my healing journey with this episode, I’m excited to present this analysis of the use of trauma as a horror element in Richard Gadd’s autobiographical series. Writing this piece engages in another prevention method known as “prolonged exposure.”

Color & Sound

Episode 4 features Donny’s experience with an LSD-laced bad trip and his eventual sexual trauma. The viewer is taken down a rabbit hole alongside Donny as the color palette and soundscape of the episode transforms from a living room to a hellscape. Deep reds and deafening cacophony instill a feeling of panic. Panic over what? We aren’t so sure just yet.

The scene is suffocating to the senses. The only semblance of peace comes through as Darrien’s voice, which ultimately becomes Donny’s downfall. When fragments of this trauma return to Donny’s memory, the deep red returns as well, either through lighting or scenery.

Portrayal of Realistic Violence

The demented funhouse imagery falls to the sidelines quickly as Donny is force fed GHB. The scene comes to a complete halt as we are slammed back into reality.

The conceptual horror of a bad trip becomes a portrayal of realistic sexual violence. The visual whiplash is sickening and disturbing, leaving the viewer feeling as helpless as Donny during this attack. There is no curtain or symbolism to hide behind anymore.

Sexual violence against men is so rarely addressed in media, let alone horror. Martha’s behavior in previous episodes suddenly moves from alarming to deeply insidious as we uncover what her actions truly mean for Donny.

PTSD & Haunting the Narrative

We often see the writing technique of “haunting the narrative” utilized for a character who is written out of a piece’s prevalent storyline. In Baby Reindeer, we see trauma and its lasting effect of PTSD haunting the narrative well before Donny’s attack is even revealed.

His relationships, dreams, and feelings are possessed by the trauma he has yet to come to terms with, culminating in his full breakdown onstage in the show’s finale. Baby Reindeer displays the true horror of PTSD and its ability to eat away at and control your life, changing who you are, dictating who you think you can ever be.

Only when Donny is left with no choice but to reckon with the reality of his assault, does his life begin to change.