Half Man is no easy watch. Creator and star Richard Gadd comes out swinging as Ruben Pallister in this 6-part HBO original, chewing scenery in silence, and allowing Jamie Bell to inhabit Niall Kennedy. After the Emmy nominated Baby Reindeer for Netflix, whatever came would always come under scrutiny, and with it a degree of controversy. Thankfully, Half Man shows just as much self-awareness, sugar-coating nothing on its way to becoming iconic.
Whether audiences feel the same after this complex piece of character-driven drama comes down to personal perspective, but one thing is certain, it will leave a mark. Tackling the shifting sands of sexual identity in contemporary society, perceptions around evolving gender roles, and what that means in terms of real relationships. Using seamless flashback sequences to create context that draws audiences in.
Both Stuart Campbell and Mitchell Robertson, who play those younger versions are where Half Man really lives and breathes. Their formative relationship and reluctant reliance on each other build a believable bond. Campbell gets to tackle the stereotypical alpha-male elements of Ruben, while Robertson ensures that Niall gets an equal number of layers. Each laying solid foundations for their older co-stars to evolve from as Half Man continues.
What will get audiences talking and keep that debate current comes down to the violence and sexual ambiguity of Half Man, laced ever so slightly with a layer of irony. From those formative fumbling moments of intimacy through to the continual curveballs being thrown at audiences, Half Man always keeps challenging expectations. Richard Gadd rarely resorting to shock tactics, while events unfold organically and remain grounded.
Images Courtesy of HBO
There are so many points at which Half Man could have gone off the rails. Not only does it skate very close to the line on occasions, but neither Niall nor Ruben are likeable characters. Their redeeming qualities are hard to find, and the self-destructive nature of their brotherly love does nothing to shake off that feeling. However, this is why Half Man works so well and will continue to cast a shadow after the dust settles.
For all the detractors who say Half Man is a misfire on the part of HBO and Richard Gadd, there will be others who see through the controversy to celebrate its originality. Not in the sense of being a ground-breaking idea, but because Gadd has been given the freedom to address contemporary topics that resonate with his audience. A fact that is underpinned by peerless performances from a committed ensemble cast who recognise this.
Audiences have rarely been more self-aware and selective about their viewing choices than they are in this moment. Richard Gadd sits squarely in the centre of that maelstrom addressing taboo topics with a degree of honesty that requires some big swings, and Half Man marks a pivotal point in his evolution worth discussing.
This show will create debate, fill up countless column inches, and come under fire from people looking to rattle their sabre for someone else. But behind the white noise is a series with something serious to say that directly addresses contemporary concerns; surely that is worth celebrating.
Half Man is available on HBOMax and BBC iPlayer now.