Is 'Instant Family' based on a true story? Read details about the comedy film- Republic World (2024)

Updated May 18th, 2021 at 19:53 IST

Instant Family is a 2018 film starring Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne, who decide to adopt three children. Read on to know if the film is based on a true story.

Is 'Instant Family' based on a true story? Read details about the comedy film- Republic World (1)

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Instant Familyis a 2018 Americanfamilycomedy-dramafilm starringMark WahlbergandRose Byrneas parents who adopt three siblings, played byIsabela Merced, Gustavo Quiroz, and Julianna Gamiz. The Instant Family plotrevolves around a couple, who decide tostart a family, and are inspired to pursue adoption through the foster care system. They feel like wonderful, altruistic people until they suddenly have three wild kids in their home. Now they must learn to love and parent children who have no interest in being parented in this heartwarming comedy.

Is the movie Instant Family based on a true story?

According to a report by Bustle, the Mark Wahlberg film is in fact based on a true story of none other than the film's director and writer Sean Anders. The movieis based on Sean's story ofadopting three children out of the foster care system with his wife, Beth. Sean had previously written an essay for TIME magazine and stated that his wife Beth and himhad been talking for years about whether they should have kids or not and for the longest time they thought they couldn't afford it.

Anders further revealed that once he was financially stable, he and his partner were already in their 40s and were worried if they had left it for too long but he said that he knew that kids would make their life bigger so one day he joked and suggested adopting a five-year-old, which would look like they started the process five years earlier. Surprisingly, his wife agreed to the idea and the couple adopted three siblings back in 2012. Their ages at the time of adoption weresix, three, and 18 months.

The director of the film even revealed that even though the film isn't exactly like his life, there are some scenes and conversations in the movie that have taken place in his real life as well.There are some sillier moments that come from the couple's real-life too, including one of the kids getting hit in the face with a ball. Instant Familywas released in the United States on November 16, 2018, and grossed over$120 million worldwide, and was praised by critics and audiences alike.

Image: Still from the trailer

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Is 'Instant Family' based on a true story? Read details about the comedy film- Republic World (2024)

FAQs

Is 'Instant Family' based on a true story? Read details about the comedy film- Republic World? ›

Is the movie Instant Family based on a true story? According to a report by Bustle, the Mark Wahlberg film is in fact based on a true story of none other than the film's director and writer Sean Anders. The movie is based on Sean's story of adopting three children out of the foster care system with his wife, Beth.

Is Instant Family based off a true story? ›

Yes, Instant Family is loosely inspired by the true story of the director Sean Anders' actual experiences, and how he went through the journey of adoption. As per reports, Sean and his wife Beth were only looking to foster a single child, but fate intervened and they ended up adopting three siblings.

Who is the real couple in Instant Family? ›

Learn how Aleisha Braide-Bryant and her husband Anthony Bryant went from having just one child living under their roof — her biological teenage son, Mekhi — to six.

What state does Instant Family take place in? ›

According to a report by Dirt.com, majorly the filming of Instant Family took place in Atlanta in the United States. In the film, the family is based in California. In this US state, the family is said to be living in the fictional suburb of Terrance County.

What is the storyline of Instant Family? ›

Synopsis. Married couple Pete (Mark Wahlberg) and Ellie Wagner (Rose Byrne), after being taunted by relatives who think they will never have kids, start considering the option of adopting a child. Initially half-serious, they eventually decide to enroll in a foster parents course.

How much of Instant Family is true? ›

According to a report by Bustle, the Mark Wahlberg film is in fact based on a true story of none other than the film's director and writer Sean Anders. The movie is based on Sean's story of adopting three children out of the foster care system with his wife, Beth.

Why did they adopt in Instant Family? ›

The children Pete and Ellie adopt—Lizzie, Juan, and Lita—come into foster care because their mother is addicted to drugs and neglected them. Is this typical? Sadly, yes, substance abuse is one of the primary reasons that children are removed from their parent's care.

Did Instant Family get taken off Netflix? ›

Last day to watch on Netflix: May 14

Director and co-writer Sean Anders drew from his own experience for this comedy starring Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne.

Which six flags are in Instant Family? ›

The Gang plans to go to Magic Mountain for Senior Ditch Day but plans change for Brandon, Dylan, and Steve when a Burt Reynolds fan club eats at The Peach Pit when Nat is sick. Everyone else heads to Magic Mountain.

Is Instant Family ok for kids to watch? ›

Young children might find the themes and plot of Instant Family lack interest. We recommend parental guidance for children under 13 years because of the movie's mild violence, coarse language, and occasional sexual and substance abuse references. Children over 13 and adults are likely to enjoy this movie.

Who was the lady at the end of Instant Family? ›

In this big scene, a comedic undercurrent is injected, courtesy of a neighbor to Wahlberg and Byrne's Pete and Ellie. Played by Joan Cusack, she inserts herself into the moment in a sweet, but definitely weird way, as only a legendary talent like Cusack could ever do.

What school was used for Instant Family? ›

-- The halls of Kell High School in Marietta are bustling over spring break as film crews, extra's, and Hollywood stars are taking over the building. The signs reading "Base Camp" and "IF" along Jamerson Road near the school may seem cryptic at first, but a closer look reveals a small decal reading "Instant Family".

Is Instant Family a book? ›

At twenty-one, Chloe Gardiner put life on hold to raise her orphaned step-siblings. Five years later, teenage Sebastian gets into trouble with the police.

What happened to Lizzie's mom in Instant Family? ›

Pete and Ellie talk to Karen and Sharon over potentially taking in Lizzy. The social workers inform the couple that Lizzy's mother is a drug addict who is currently in jail, and she set their house on fire by leaving her crack pipe lit. They also find that Lizzy has two younger siblings, Juan and Lita.

Can a 13 year old watch Instant Family? ›

Although profane terms and phrases are present throughout the movie, this heartfelt movie can still be a family film as long as adult supervision is provided.

Is Instant Family a good movie? ›

Watchable. Instant Family is almost a good film, with terrific lead performances by Wahlberg and Byrne. A bit too soppy, cutesy and silly in my opinion, with stereotypes and pandering. The two leads make it watchable and likable, but when they're not at the fore, it really struggles to stay above water.

What happened to the family in Instant Family? ›

Lizzie tries to run away, but Pete and Ellie catch up to her and assure her they love her and her siblings. Four months later, Pete and Ellie legally adopt the kids.

How old was Jacob in Instant Family? ›

He is then seen riding a Zamboni, where he is listening to music until Pete and Ellie confront him, pulling out his headphones and asking how old he is, to which they discover he is 22. Pete then punches him in the face.

Who is the actress at the end of Instant Family? ›

Photos of real-life foster families are seen throughout the end credits, interspersed with footage of Isabela Moner performing the end-credits song "Stay With You."

Who is the older girl in Instant Family? ›

The siblings are rebellious 15-year-old Lizzie (Isabela Moner), her chronically misbehaving little sister Lita (Julianna Gamiz), and her brother Juan (Gustavo Quiroz), who can't seem to do anything without hurting himself.

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