‘Baby Reindeer’ Stars Jessica Gunning and Nava Mau on Playing ‘Nuanced, Complicated’ Real People and Why Martha and Donny ‘Need Each Other’

As I delve into the intricate world of “Baby Reindeer,” I find myself captivated by the raw, unfiltered performances that both Jessie and Richard have delivered. Their characters, Teri and Donny, are like two sides of the same coin – each grappling with their own demons and forging a unique bond through shared trauma.

In the cooler days of April, I found myself drawn to the low-key unveiling of Richard Gadd’s captivating seven-episode series, “Baby Reindeer,” on Netflix. This intriguing production, which creatively adapts Gadd’s personal tales, swiftly gained massive popularity, sparking widespread conversations online.

The psychological drama unfolds in London, focusing on comedian Donny Dunn (Gadd), who’s pursued by a woman named Martha (Jessica Gunning). At first, Donny seems to humor Martha’s behavior, but as time passes, she starts encroaching on his personal life. This intrusion escalates, with Martha harassing his girlfriend, Teri (Nava Mau), and sending him menacing messages. As the story progresses, Martha spirals out of control, causing chaos in Donny’s life and her own.

“In addition to being a story about harassment, ‘Baby Reindeer’ offers a complex portrayal. Martha (played by Gunning) and Teri (played by Mau) along with Donny (Gadd), form the core of the series. It delves deep into how abuse echoes through time, impacting not only the victims but also those connected to them.”

Boasting 11 Emmy Award nominations, such as acting recognition for Gadd, Gunning, and Mau, as well as a nod for the best limited or anthology series, “Baby Reindeer” continues to generate buzz on television screens everywhere.

In the following piece, Gunning and Mau share insights on audience reactions, their character perspectives, and a host of other topics.

JESSICA GUNNING (MOVIE REVIEWER): Hey Nava, it’s intriguing to discuss our different perspectives on this show we both love – me from across the pond in the UK and you here in the States. How has your journey been with it compared to what Richard and I have experienced?

PARAPHRASING: The pace at which things are unfolding is simply astounding. It’s truly wonderful to see so many viewers connecting on an emotional level with our series and characters. This connection is a truly remarkable gift for any actor.

PARAPHRASING: I’ve been working for 17 years, and on occasion, individuals have stopped by to share a show they watched. The impact of “Baby Reindeer” has been astounding, particularly in the U.K., but even in L.A. and New York, people would approach me on the street to express what the show meant to them. That’s truly remarkable. I initially believed that “Baby Reindeer” would have a smaller, more specialized appeal due to its intense and unconventional content. However, what amazes me the most is the wide range of ages among those who approach to discuss the series.

Response: It took me by surprise that so many viewers perceive Martha as a frightening figure and a villain. To be honest, I didn’t view her in such a light, nor did I imagine you would either. I’m intrigued to understand your process when portraying a character with such contrasting opinions.

PARAPHRASING: When I first read the script, I instantly felt a connection to Martha and Donny, thinking, “This story beautifully portrays two lost souls who find solace in each other at a time when it seems they need each other most.” That’s why I was determined to land the role and went through numerous auditions, even if it meant being a bit awkward. I kept worrying that if an actor were to portray her as mad, evil, or villainous at any point, they would be damaging Richard’s brilliantly crafted character – a woman who is complex and layered. Sometimes, it’s crucial to empathize with your character. Martha only interacts with Teri once, but their encounter is intense. There’s a reason behind Martha’s aggression towards Teri, which stems from her relationship with this man; he means everything to her. In this scene, we see a confident, attractive, and seductive woman standing up for herself against Teri.

MAU: It ends up being 10 seconds of a fight, but it is hours of you straddling me or having to be as if she’s pulling my hair, scratching my face. So, there is a physical intimacy to it, which I think requires trust and consent. I remember, of course, the transphobic and racist language. I remember being like, “Whoa, that actually hurt.” That was the first time I saw you or Richard act on screen. There’s a lot behind what he’s saying and feeling, and it really sets up the episode where Teri and Donny are holed up together, and you can feel how this trauma has bonded them.

I found it more natural to perform alongside Donny rather than Richard. To be honest, I didn’t have that same feeling with Richard, which I believe is a positive aspect. It created an environment that felt very secure. It was crucial for us to maintain the distinction between the two characters, or else the boundaries could have become blurred and confusing.

As a devoted cinephile, I must confess, in the early scenes, I hadn’t truly encountered Richard. It wasn’t until Teri and Donny were huddled together in their apartment, that I met the genuine Richard – a man distinct from the character penned for the script. Jess, your experience of portraying someone inspired by a real person, who then coexisted with that very individual, was nothing short of intriguing, wouldn’t you agree?

PARAPHRASING: I assure you, I wasn’t imitating anyone. Instead, I was giving my portrayal of the character Martha. Everything attributed to Martha in my performance was written in the script, including that final voicemail Donny heard in the bar at the end. The way Richard decided to conclude the series left me astonished, and the content of that voicemail encapsulates why he’s so significant to her, why he means so much to her, why she calls him Baby Reindeer, and all those sentiments. Now, what about you?

It may seem unbelievable, but I felt like Teri was an extension of myself, and vice versa. What’s struck me is how many people have expressed their admiration for Teri by saying she’s so strong. For me, exploring Teri’s struggles in her relationship with Donny meant delving into a dark pit of despair. I often say that Teri dares to take the risk of loving, and she falls. The story is really about her getting back up after falling. In many ways, Teri’s journey mirrors Martha’s, both revolving around the same person.

GUNNING: They are both two kinds of tragic, unconventional love stories.

VARIETY: “Baby Reindeer” garnered a stunning 11 Emmy nominations. Was such recognition part of your expectations when the series took off?

As a fanboy over here in the U.K., it’s absolutely mind-blowing for me! The Emmy Awards are just massive, and to be honest, I’m left stunned and thrilled beyond words. It still feels unreal!

ALICE: I’m feeling quite emotional. This series is more about the narrative and my personal journey connected with it, which is unusual considering its association with the glitz and grandeur of Hollywood and global platforms.

REPHRASE: We didn’t consider awards or events like the Emmys. Instead, we focused on telling our story as honestly and carefully as possible, given the circumstances. It’s unexpected but satisfying to see how well it resonated with people, perhaps because of its authenticity. That’s why it has become what it is now.

PARAPHRASING: In the tale, we enjoyed freedom with consent, which is exactly as it should be. I’m filled with luck, gratitude, and pride.

2024-08-14 20:23

‘Baby Reindeer’ Stars Jessica Gunning and Nava Mau on Playing ‘Nuanced, Complicated’ Real People and Why Martha and Donny ‘Need Each Other’

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