Instant Family: Trailers don’t do this sweet film justice

Instant Family features the challenges of being a foster parent, pulling back no punches on the stress and frustration that comes with fostering, all while warming up even the coldest of hearts.

From watching the trailers, I didn’t expect much from Instant Family. Maybe a few laughs, a cliché and predictable storyline, and, of course, the happy ending. Basically, a sweet film to watch this Thanksgiving with the entire family. Well, it is all of that, but also so much more and a whole lot better.

Instant Family follows Pete (Mark Wahlberg) and Ellie Wagner (Rose Byrne), two workaholics who decide to start a family. A comment Pete makes about adopting because he doesn’t want to be an old father started as a joke. However, after reading about it and attending a meeting on fostering children, they make the decision to go for it.

At an adoption fair, Pete and Ellie meet Lizzy, portrayed by Isabela Moner. She’s witty and sarcastic, which instantly captures Pete and Ellie’s attention. They want to learn more about her and seriously consider her giving Lizzy a home. That is, until the couple is told Lizzy comes with two younger siblings, Juan (Gustavo Quiroz) and Lita (Julianna Gamiz).

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Are they up for the challenge? You bet! After all, how tough can it be?

During the first couple of weeks, there aren’t any issues. At their foster parent support group meetings, Pete and Ellie are warned that this is just the honeymoon phase, and that it won’t be like this for much longer. The couple shrug it off though, refusing to believe the children will give them any trouble.

What follows? Trouble, of course. Fights, tantrums, language, disobedience, you name it! A roller coaster of emotions commences and is sure to pull at your heartstrings. While the main plot may be predictable, it has many surprises along the way. One minute you’re caught up in the jokes and the next your heart is broken.

The movie keeps it very real. Not only did everyone involved do their research on fostering children and the adoption process, but Instant Family is based on a true story. Co-writer Sean Anders, who also directed the film, and his wife also adopted three older children through foster care. This movie follows their experience and struggles.

Wahlberg and Byrne share great chemistry. They are hilarious and work best when on-screen together. But they are not the dynamic duo you expected to see in the film. Supporting characters Karen (Octavia Spencer) and Sharon (Tig Notaro) definitely steal the show when the camera is on them. You’ll be wishing the two had more screen time!

Instant Family is a heartwarming comedy not to miss this weekend. You don’t need to be a foster parent, or even a parent, to feel for the characters and find yourself with misty eyes watching the movie.

The trailers don’t do this film justice, Instant Family will warm up any heart and is easily one of the biggest surprises this year. Is it a cornball? Yes, but just the perfect dose needed this holiday season.

Instant Family is in theaters this Friday, November 16. Want to learn more about adoption? Visit InstantFamily.org today.