Nava Mau says baby reindeer sets new standard for trauma examination

Nava Mau made history on July 17 with her first Emmy nomination for the Netflix series Baby reindeerbecoming the first transgender actress to earn a nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited Series — a momentous occasion that is part of Mau’s larger “incredible and life-changing” experience with the international hit series. THR Moments after her nomination was announced, Mau became emotional as she spoke about her fellow nominees — a lineup that includes Dakota Fanning, Lily Gladstone, Diane Lane, Aja Naomi King and Kali Reis, as well as Mau Baby reindeer Jessica Gunning, her co-star. “I’m very honored to be part of a group of women who have clearly dedicated their lives to this art,” Mau says. “I hope I can answer that invitation.”

Mau did not expect such a prestigious honor during the filming Baby reindeer last year. The Mexican-born, American-raised actress had only a handful of credits to her name before being cast in the series, including the 2019 short film Wake up timewhich she also directed and produced, and a supporting role in the HBO Max dramedy Generation in 2021. But Baby reindeer I immediately felt special, especially the character of Teri, created by actor and series creator Richard Gadd. “I had never read a script that felt like it was written by someone I had known in a previous life,” Mau says. “I had assumed that, in order to have the kind of role that felt complex and constructed to reflect the rich reality of my own life, I would have to write that role.”

In the series, Gadd plays Donny Dunn, a struggling comedian and bartender who is stalked and harassed by an obsessive woman, Martha (Gunning). Still dealing with the aftermath of a sexual assault by a mentor years earlier, Donny meets Teri, a transgender woman, under an assumed name. As their intimacy grows, so does Donny’s sense of shame and Martha’s intensity, leading to a violent encounter between the two women that forces Donny to be honest with Teri about his feelings for her—and for himself.

The series, which garnered 11 Emmy nominations, became a phenomenon when it launched in
Avril is now one of Netflix’s most-watched series. The popularity is exciting, but Mau admits she’s particularly proud of how Baby reindeer addresses sexual trauma and healing, particularly from a male perspective, which is often overlooked.

“We have heard the call to include the voices of women and gender diverse people in the fight against the evils of patriarchy,” she says. “Part of that work is for men to create space for themselves, to be aware of the violence that patriarchy inflicts.” [on men]. Ultimately, it is really the responsibility of men to address how patriarchy has created a culture of violence, shame and silence.

This article first appeared in the August 14 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.