“Baby Reindeer” creator/star Richard Gadd is back with another show — and it’s brutal.
Called “Half Man,” the six episode limited HBO series is a gnarly watch that’s hard to stomach at times, but it’s riveting, provocative, and filled with searing performances. It should sweep the Emmys, just like “Baby Reindeer” did.
Created by and starring Gadd and set in his native Scotland, “Half Man” is about a toxic relationship between two pseudo stepbrothers, spanning decades. So, it’s sort of “homoerotic Normal People,” with more violence.
The story gets creaky at times, especially in the final two episodes, but the characters are captivating. It’s a morally thorny big swing that makes a splash and stands out, in our current landscape of tired reboots and revivals.
Ruben (played by Gadd as an adult and Stuart Campbell as a teen) is charismatic and volatile. When the show flashes back to his youth in the ‘80s, we’re told he’s recently done two years in juvenile prison for biting someone’s nose off. Alrighty then.
Niall (played by Jamie Bell as an adult and Mitchell Robertson as a teen) is afraid and appalled when he’s thrown into close proximity with Ruben as a teenager.
Ruben has neck tattoos, a swagger, and that wild reputation; Niall is meek with nerdy posters in his room, and he gets bullied in school. Before long, the teen boys forge an unlikely bond. Over the years, it gets tested.
In a similar vein to another awards-sweeping hit miniseries, “Adolescence,” the show is interested in masculinity. “Half Man” dives into male sexuality, violence, anger, aggression, repression, shame, bravado, trauma.
At times, it makes you wonder if Ruben and Niall are in love, and won’t admit it on a conscious level. In other moments, their bond seems brotherly. Sometimes they seem like enemies. Their relationship is shifting and ambiguous, and the tension leaves you on the edge of your seat wondering where it’s all going.
The time jump between teen Niall and Ruben and their adult versions is handled a bit clumsily. It’s distracting that the characters look like they age twenty years overnight. But, both sets of actors are talented enough that it’s not too hard to roll with it.
Gadd and Campbell both give Ruben enough vulnerability and charisma that even when he commits heinous acts, there’s something at the core of the character that makes him engaging. Gadd transforms himself, packing on muscle, changing his voice, and infusing Ruben with menace and pathos. It’s a powerhouse performance; it’ll be ridiculous if he doesn’t win awards for it.
The wildly popular “Baby Reindeer,” which Gadd also created and starred in, made headlines for its autobiographical elements. It depicted a relationship between a man and his stalker, Martha. Fiona Harvey, a woman who claimed to be the basis for “Martha,” came forward, gave interviews, and sued Netflix in 2024, alleging defamation. (The case is still pending).
“Half Man” likely won’t come with the same behind-the-scenes drama. Gadd has said that it’s not based on his life – unless a real Ruben and Niall end up popping out of the woodwork later.
Nevertheless, it’s likely to be buzzy to those who can stand a tough watch.
Similar to another HBO series, “True Detective” Season 1, the wheels come off after a while. One of the points of conflict between the men is something that’s too trite, making the end feel weaker than it should. But, just like that other show, “Half Man” is still mostly great despite that.
“Half Man” is dark, strange, and gutting. It’s also interesting, propulsive, and full of complicated characters.
It proves that “Baby Reindeer” wasn’t a fluke. Gadd is a star. He has a twisted and original creative mind.
“Half Man” premieres Thursday, April 23 at 9 p.m. on HBO.
