By Neil Durham

Richard Gadd won Emmys for writing, producing and acting in Baby Reindeer – which won 6 in all – and Half Man is arguably his even darker follow-up about 2 brothers ‘from another lover’ across 30 years.

• Read on for reasons including how Half Man is more thought provoking than even Baby Reindeer

1. The latest drama from the Baby Reindeer writer

Stalking drama Baby Reindeer was such a Netflix hit that following it may have felt daunting but Half Man is even more thought provoking. Gadd plays Ruben, whose mother is in a relationship with Jamie Bell’s (All Of Us Strangers) character Niall’s mum. While Ruben is fiercely loyal yet quick to anger, Niall is sensitive and bullied and the pair form an unlikely bond while sharing a teenage bedroom.

2. Physical transformation of Richard Gadd

Gadd bulked up to play Ruben and may be difficult to recognise from his stalked comedian Donny in Reindeer. Ruben has his own childhood demons and his uncontrollable rage appears a reaction to them. Yet he offers to protect Niall who is struggling with his own sexuality and, later, sex and chemical addictions.

3. Jamie Bell’s performance

Does Bell’s Niall outdo Gadd’s Ruben as the standout performance? Bell has to convince as a struggling novelist seeking anonymous sex in library toilets yet also capable of the urge to father a child which inevitably comes between the 2 men.

4. The younger cast

The story is told in non-linear fashion meaning we have many particularly early scenes when the chacracters of Ruben and Niall are established by younger actors, Stuart Campbell and Mitchell Robertson. Their fleeting physical resemblances to the older actors helps but there’s also a real bond, affection and sense that they are both ‘half men’ finding comfort in the other to fulfil something missing inside them.

5. Painful look at the effects of abuse

Half Man does become an unflinching look at the effects of abuse so prepare yourself if going in blind. Ruben seemingly cannot contain his violent outbursts and yet his friendship with Niall goes some way to alleviating although not eradicating this toxic masculinity.

6. Difficult gay truths

Niall eventually finds some peace with his sexuality yet throughout his growing up in the 80s with the stigma of HIV and AIDS inescapable, his own life is still dogged by shame provoking questionable life choices.

• Main pictures via Facebook courtesy BBC How to watch
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