Instant Family is characterized as a comedy/drama film and is directed by Sean Anders. The film was released November 16, 2018, and has recently been in the top 10 Netflix movies. It runs at one hour, 59 minutes. Rotten Tomatoes summarizes this movie with, “When Pete and Ellie decide to start a family, they stumble into the world of foster care adoption. They hope to take in one small child, but when they meet three siblings, including a rebellious 15-year-old girl, they find themselves speeding from zero to three kids overnight. Now, Pete and Ellie must try to learn the ropes of instant parenthood in the hope of becoming a family.”
The main cast includes Rose Byrne as Ellie, Mark Wahlberg as Pete, Isabela Merced as Lizzy, Gustavo Escobar as Juan, and Julianna Gamiz as Lita.
The side cast includes Octavia Spencer as Karen, Tig Notaro as Sharon, Margo Martindale as Grandma Sandy, and Julie Hagerty as Jan.
A top critic, Sarah Michelle Fetters, said, “The core of the film is so strong, so pure, that any missteps Anders might take with this story don’t feel as egregious or as damaging as they have in many of his more unabashedly slapstick endeavors.” She rated this movie a 3/4 stars while Rotten Tomatoes rated it at 82%.
An audience member, Mitchell S, said, “Sure it’s a little risque and there are some annoying characters. But the film’s intentions are good and it will yank on your heart strings.” He gave this movie a 4/5 stars while the audience rated it at 83%.
I loved this movie so much. It starts as a slightly comedic film with a married couple trying to find a family of their own. As they meet the kids they’re supposed to look after before adopting them, it turns into a full comedy. The scenes feel so real and unexpectedly funny. There’s also a lot of heartfelt moments that make you want to cry throughout the film. I’d rate this film a 5/5 stars and I’d love to watch it for the first time again.
