A ‘feel-good’ family comedy starring Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne in the lead is being hailed as a must-watch by fans.
The 2018 comedy-drama directed by Sean Anders is a semi-autobiographical film and it’s touched the hearts of many. Wahlberg and Byrne are joined by child actors Isabela Merced, Gustavo Quiroz, and Julianna Gamiz — who play three foster siblings — rounding out a stellar lead cast. The film also stars Octavia Spencer, Julie Hagerty, Tig Notaro, and Margo Martindale, who round off a talented supporting cast.
With a screenplay written by John Morris, the hilarious yet emotional family drama is based in part on the director’s own experiences with fostering and adopting.
The movie’s official plot says: “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 named Lizzie, 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.”
Heavily inspired by Anders’s own life experiences with fostering and subsequently adopting three siblings aged 6, 3, and 18 months, the director spoke to several adoptive families and teenagers who had grown up in the foster care system and had then been adopted, in a bid to research the character of Lizzie.
Those looking for a light-hearted yet emotional and feel-good watch — Instant Family will air on Film4 tonight, November 18, at 6.40pm.
Made on a production budget of $48 million, the comedy-drama went on to gross a worldwide total of $121 million at the box office. With an 83 per cent audience approval rating on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, the movie received positive reviews, especially from fans, with one saying: “We absolutely love love love this move! It is one of our favorite feel good movies. It’s cute, funny, makes you cry a little and makes you feel great! Highly recommend!”
Another viewer said of the film: “It makes you laugh, smile, and even cry. I’ve never cried during a movie. However I cried a little at this movie. It’s so touching and has a wonderful story. Also has a great meaning.”
While yet another impressed fan said: “This film is one of the few films that exceed expectations. While watching you experience a range of emotions. The films raise a lot of problems that modern families face, highlight the “struggle of generations”, and very emotionally convey all the moments that we encounter in our own lives. It was shot simply incredible, the main actors for the game 10/10, a must-see.”
A positive review by a critic added: “A real surprise when it came out, a film as full of laughs as it is heart.”
While another reviewer said: “Anders’ semi-autobiographical comedy is the perfect blend of humour and heart. The strong chemistry among the cast allows this makeshift family to feel authentic.”
Instant Family will be broadcast on Film4 tonight, November 18, at 6.40pm.
