Baby Reindeer: Who Plays Martha In Netflix’s Disturbing Stalker Series?

Jessica Gunning's character 'Martha' has spooked the viewers and critics, making headlines for her extraordinary real and eerie performance. While 'Baby Reindeer' has recently brought to light the actor's name and made a buzz, there is more to her performances than just being Martha. 

How Jessica Gunning's Character is based on a True Story

Gunning had a breakthrough when Richard Gadd took her to reprise the role of Martha (a stalker) but little do people know that her character was very real and as was the plot of the series. Richard Gadd who plays the protagonist was actually stalked by someone as depicted in the series and went through similar trauma and anxiety as portrayed in the series.

This also became a weighing factor for critics as the arc of the story was well put and very raw because Richard Gadd could channelise his actual experience in writing of the series. Gadd has mentioned previously how he knew no one did justice to the role of Martha like Jessica, it was her dedication and continuous effort that brought Martha to life.

While the audience loved the show it was Jessica's brilliance which radiated through Martha. One cannot seem to villanise her or even sympathise with her but always hang in between during her scenes. Richard Gadd, in an interview with Glamorous mentioned, “What I needed to see was the essence of the person, the kind of energy, and no one did it like Jess. She’s phenomenal, I needed to see someone who was vulnerable one moment, angry the next, volatile but so desperate and sympathetic.” It was his real life experience of going through harassment and stalking that makes the series edgy and nail biting. 

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Other Works of Gunning

Jessica Gunning has made her name popular by appearing in the following series/ movies where audiences loved her quirky, humourous and diverse roles,  Doctor Who in 2008 and then went on to appear in 29 episodes of 'Law and Order' the UK version from 2009 to 2014.

She received great attention after reprising the role in BBC's White Heat (2012) along with Sam Claflin and Claire Foy. Amongst other movies and series, mostly UK based she appeared in 2021 crime thriller comedy as Diane in The Outlaws.

Her performance in Baby Reindeer fetched the series a very rare 100% from the Rotten Tomatoes and an IMDb rating of 8.2/10.

It is Jessica's layered role as Martha which brings out nuances of her as a lonely, desperate woman who harasses and stalks Richard Gadd. This makes 'Baby Reindeer' a must watch for people who have an inclination towards psychological thriller dramas.