'Wolf like Me'

Dating is not easy. Trying to date as a single parent? Even more so. Or how about trying to date when you're hiding a very complicated secret the likes of which could prove dangerous — or deadly — to anyone you let down your guard enough to get close to? Those are the biggest dilemmas posed throughout the dramedy series, which is available on Prime.

It revolves around two people, a widower and a woman with a mysterious past, who are convinced they're unlovable for various reasons only to find acceptance at a time when they least expect to. It's a story concept that could potentially give itself over to rom-com antics or even thriller vibes; instead, Wolf Like Me puts a much bigger focus on the emotionally resonant moments between its leads, which all contributes to a more subdued and pensive take on loss, grief, and acceptance — culminating in the establishment of a new type of family for everyone involved.

Apart from its curious, feature-feeling structure, however, Wolf Like Me is a series that works because of its casting — Gad and Fisher know how to navigate the tightrope between scenes of escalating comedy and poignant emotion, and do both expertly — and it also deals in much heavier themes than might be obvious from the outside looking in.

Viewers looking for a frothy, hilarious rom-com will probably need to scroll on past, but as for those who find themselves curious enough about the premise to give this one a shot... well, there are much less entertaining ways to spend an afternoon than by mainlining this show. Held up next to others of its kind, Wolf Like Me may not do enough to stick itself in memory, but it's an unexpectedly heartfelt tale about someone overcoming the deep-rooted fear of rejection and loss to try for love, and what happens when someone with those same fears is willing to reach out and meet them halfway.

In my opinion, it’s a lovely exploration of the human journey to accept and love our inner monsters.