Just add chaos, laughter, awkwardness, mistakes, love…|Nov. 16, 2018|United States|118 Min.|PG-13
Genre: Comedy;Drama
Description: Husband and wife Pete and Ellie Wagner, often mocked by family members who doubt they’ll ever have children, explore the idea of adoption. They join a foster care program guided by social workers Karen and Sharon. During a foster care event, Ellie expresses her hesitation about adopting a teenager, only to be met by 15-year-old Lizzy, who captures Pete and Ellie’s interest. Karen and Sharon inform the couple that Lizzy has two siblings: 10-year-old Juan and 6-year-old Lita, whose mother is a drug addict currently in prison. The Wagners’ initial meeting with the siblings doesn’t spark an immediate bond, causing them to reconsider their decision.
At Thanksgiving dinner, Pete and Ellie share their choice not to adopt, prompting Ellie’s family to admit they never believed adoption was the right path. This revelation motivates Ellie to move forward with fostering the siblings. Lizzy, Juan, and Lita move in, instantly turning the Wagners’ lives upside down—Lita refuses to eat anything but chips, Juan is highly emotional, and Lizzy resents Ellie’s attempts to parent them. The couple seeks support from other foster parents in their group.
Pete’s mother, Sandy, helps ease tensions by taking the family to Six Flags. However, Lizzy disappears with friends and returns late, leading Pete to ground her. A turning point occurs when Juan accidentally injures himself with a nail, and Pete and Ellie rush him to the hospital. Witnessing their care, Lizzy begins to warm up to them. Pete invites her to vent her frustrations by helping demolish a kitchen he’s renovating. Meanwhile, Lita calls Pete “Daddy” after he fixes her doll, and Juan refers to Ellie as “Mommy” after she comforts him during a nightmare.
The journey is challenging, but the Wagners gradually build a meaningful connection with the children, proving that family isn’t always about biology but about love and commitment.
Cast director: Daniel Silverberg
Cast actor: Mark Wahlberg, Rose Byrne, Isabela Merced, Margo Martindale, Julie Hagerty, Tig Notaro, Octavia Spencer, Gustavo Quiroz Jr., Julianna Gamiz, Allyn Rachel
Original name: Instant Family