This Intense New HBO Show from the 'Baby Reindeer' Creator Is Violent, Thrilling and So, So Good

The drama follows the story of Ruben (Gadd) and Niall (Bell), two brothers (not by blood, but rather by love and circumstance), from childhood up until adulthood when the meeker of the two is getting married. Ruben (as a grown man and as his younger counterpart) is an explosive, rage-filled person, who only knows how to express himself through aggression and brute force. Meanwhile, Niall is a "Bambi," doe-eyed, innocent and full of fear. And the reappearance of Ruben on Niall's wedding day throws a giant wrench into things.

Though the show starts with a violent encounter between the pair in the present day, it quickly flashes back to their childhood, where Niall is being bullied in school. Enter Ruben, who moves into the same house as Niall and quickly steps in to protect him. Their relationship is wildly complicated from the get-go, with young Niall afraid of his new "brother," but also seemingly attracted to him—whether or not it's a physical attraction remains to be seen.

Gadd, Bell and their younger counterparts make a meal out of each scene, milking drama and tension out of every single moment. And speaking of tension, there is a lot of it. Seemingly mundane scenes are thrilling to watch, with the stakes so high that it's clear something terrible or beautiful could happen at all times.