Instant Family

Instant Family is a 2018 American family comedy-drama film starring Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne as parents who adopt three siblings, played by Isabela Merced, Gustavo Quiroz, and Julianna Gamiz. It also stars Margo Martindale, Julie Hagerty, Tig Notaro, and Octavia Spencer. The film is directed by Sean Anders, who wrote the screenplay with John Morris, based in part on Anders' own experiences.

Instant Family was released in the United States on November 16, 2018. It grossed $121 million worldwide, and was called an "earnest, heartwarming comedy" by critics, who also praised the performances.

Plot

Couple Pete and Ellie Wagner, pressured by family to have children, consider adoption. They join a foster care course, led by social workers Karen and Sharon. At a fair to meet children, Ellie is voicing her reluctance towards fostering teens when they are confronted by 15-year-old Lizzie, who impresses them.

The Wagners discover Lizzie and her siblings, 10-year-old Juan and 6-year-old Lita, who must be kept together. Their mother Carla is an incarcerated drug addict. In their first meeting with the trio, they do not immediately connect, so they reconsider. At Thanksgiving dinner with Ellie's family, the couple announce they are not going to adopt. Everyone admits no one believed they would, so Pete and Ellie decide to officially adopt the children.

Lizzie, Juan, and Lita move in with the Wagners, whose lives become hectic – Lita throws tantrums, Juan is extremely emotional and fragile, and Lizzie resents Ellie's attempts to parent them. The Wagners turn to their foster parent support group. Pete's mother Sandy wins the kids over by taking everyone to Six Flags, but Lizzie disappears with friends and returns late, so Pete grounds her.