Wolf Like Me

Wolf Like Me is fun and charming, just like its main cast, with a little bit of darkness sprinkled on top. There’s a general balance of over-the-top comedy with themes and truths grounded firmly in reality. Gary (Josh Gad) is a single father doing what he can to protect his daughter, Emma. His efforts often fall short, and communication between the two can end in complication. That is, until Mary crashes – literally – into their lives. But she must navigate through this newfound budding romance with baggage of her own and something untoward lurking within her.

While Gad and Fisher admittedly don’t have the best romantic chemistry in the world, both actors are strong enough to make the development of their characters’ relationship work. Mary has a very sweet but manic quality to her that draws in viewers the same way she draws in Gary’s affection. Furthermore, the series doesn’t just focus on their romance. Luring audiences in with extreme dramatics, it doesn’t linger on one genre for too long, leaving each scene fresh; there’s always something new, whether it’s cutting the tension with dry and straightforward humour or plot-twisting developments. The comedy is dark and filled with juxtapositions; deadpan and sneaky, these small bursts of absurdity are spread throughout, creating a silence in their wake that highlights the tangible and emotional scenes and have a jarring effect that fits well with the overall premise of the show.

The series imbues a bit of flare into its presentation by making use of Fisher’s author voice, adding her narration on top of specific scenes in the style of Mary’s “Dear Adelaide” column. It’s very much Confessions of a Shopaholic meets Gossip Girl; comedic yet finds reason and creates realism in ridiculous circumstances. The soundtrack is quiet and lingering, striking at the right moment either to create impact in moments of tragedy and drama or to let the humour breathe. Visually, the film is warm but dark, reflecting both the premise and Mary’s character. Each episode often ends by leaving viewers on edge, eager to know more of the story. For all its exaggerated efforts to elicit laughter, there’s something very endearing at the core of Wolf Like Me.

Mae Trumata

Wolf Like Me is released on Amazon Prime Video on 25^th February 2022.

Watch the trailer for Wolf Like Me here: