Instant Family

Pete and Ellie are a couple hoping to start a family, and they decide to try foster care as a path to parenthood. They expect a quick, simple placement, maybe a single child to love. But life has different plans: the couple ends up caring for three siblings, including a resistant 15 year old, throwing their plans into a fast and funny whirl. What follows is a mix of comic missteps, late night talks, and small victories as they learn the realities of licensing, school, and balancing work with a growing family. The film treats the big topic with warmth and humor, focusing on the messy, tender work of building a home together. Their growing family tests patience and hearts.

Released in 2018 and directed by Sean Anders, Instant Family features a screenplay by Anders and John Morris. It presents a family friendly take on foster care, balancing humor with genuine moments of connection and warmth for a broad audience.

With a budget of 48 million, Instant Family grossed roughly 121 million worldwide, a solid return for a family oriented comedy. The box office showing underscored broad audience appeal for warm, character driven stories about modern family life worldwide total.

Instant Family contributed to the public conversation about foster care by combining humor with a respectful look at adoption. Its depiction of diverse siblings and blended parenting resonated with families considering foster options and helped normalize asking for support from social services. It sparked conversations about foster care and adoption.

Critics generally praised the film for its warmth and practical take on parenting, even as some noted its broad humor. The core themes focus on making room for affection, taking responsibility, and building a sense of belonging through patience and teamwork. Audiences appreciated its balance of humor and heart throughout.