Wolf Life Me: A Genre-Bending Rom-Com

WOLF LIKE ME -- “Episode 5” Episode 105 -- Pictured: (l-r) Josh Gad as Gary, Isla Fisher as Mary, Ariel Donoghue as Emma. (Mark Rogers/Peacock)

Wolf Like Me is a six-episode genre-bending romantic comedy from Abe Forsythe, the filmmaker behind the 2019 Sundance hit, Little Monsters.

First of all, let me just say that Abe Forsythe brings the same brand of humor to the series as he did to Little Monsters. I also love how he finds a way to get Josh Gad to sing in both projects. But given Gad’s singing as Olaf in Frozen, you can’t not have him sing!

The thing about relationships–it plays a big role in Wolf Like Me–is everyone has their own baggage. This is especially true in the case of Gary (Josh Gad) and Mary (Isla Fisher). Ironically, they both meet following a car accident. Ever since Gary’s wife died, he has been a complete wreck. It isn’t just the fact that he’s struggling to raise his daughter but that his daughter has several issues, too. Raising her requires at least two parents so Gary is frequently turning to his in-laws for help. It’s the main reason why he stayed in Australia rather than move back to the states.

Meanwhile, Mary moved there from Chicago. She’s not one to open up all that much–where Gary is open, she’s holding back. But just like Gary, her own spouse is dead and this is what helps bring them together. Right when you feel like the two of them are going to make it to the next level, Mary frequently bails on Gary and goes home, be it driving or running as far as possible. It’s almost always just before sunset, too. Why it is, I can’t tell you. That’s for you to discover on your own.

The show is billed as a genre-bending romantic comedy. Forsythe takes what we know about the genre and adds his own twists along the way–honestly, it reaches the point of absurdity. For one, camera placements, set design, music, etc. hint to the series being more of a drama or thriller. I love what Forsythe is going for in this subversion of the genre. If you’re going to cast comedic actors who can also play drama, you can’t go wrong with either Josh Gad or Isla Fisher.

Wolf Like Me runs six episodes so it’s going to be a quick binge. Forsythe, who writes and directs, made this series for binge-watching. Every episode premieres on the 13th and trust me, you’re going to want to watch it all in one sitting. Okay, you can pause to eat, drink, walk the dog, or go to the restroom. But seriously, please watch it all at once because you just know people will be talking about it online.

Even though the premise of Wolf Like Me can be totally absurd at times, the audience will find truth in the characters.

Made Up Stories produces in partnership with Endeavor Content and Stan.

CREATOR/DIRECTOR/WRITER: Abe Forsythe
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS: Jodi Matterson, Bruna Papandrea and Steve Hutensky, Abe Forsythe, Josh Gad, Isla Fisher
CAST: Josh Gad, Isla Fisher

All six episodes of Wolf Like Me premieres January 13, 2022 on Peacock.

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Danielle Solzman

Danielle Solzman is native of Louisville, KY, and holds a BA in Public Relations from Northern Kentucky University and a MA in Media Communications from Webster University. She roots for her beloved Kentucky Wildcats, St. Louis Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, and Boston Celtics. Living less than a mile away from Wrigley Field in Chicago, she is an active reader (sports/entertainment/history/biographies/select fiction) and involved with the Chicago improv scene. She also sees many movies and reviews them. She has previously written for Redbird Rants, Wildcat Blue Nation, and Hidden Remote/Flicksided. From April 2016 through May 2017, her film reviews can be found on Creators.