Is Instant Family Based on a True Story? All you need to know

Instant Family is one of the most emotional films that combines laughter and real-life struggles. As per the storyline, when Pete and Ellie finally decide to adopt, they are thrust into parenting three siblings.

From domestic chaos to emotional breakthroughs, the story depicts the messy yet beautiful journey of becoming a family and inspired by true events, the film does not sugarcoat the process. Instead of this, it demonstrates how love, trust, and commitment can transform strangers into something stronger than blood—a real family.

The film Instant Family was inspired by filmmaker Sean Anders' real-life adoption of three siblings and it accurately depicts the challenges and benefits of foster care, combining comedy and emotion. While fictitious, it provides an honest and sincere look at how love, patience, and devotion can particularly be used to build a family.

More about Instant Family

Real-life events served as the inspiration for Instant Family. Based on his own experience adopting three siblings from foster care, Sean Anders wrote and directed the 2018 movie. Starring Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne, the movie centers on Pete and Ellie, a couple who want to adopt but end up parenting three kids: Lita, Juan, and Lizzy.

Sean Anders and his wife Beth, both in their 30s and 40s, were inspired by stories they heard on the road, but they were cautious to adopt older children. Many of the scenes were inspired by Anders' actual experiences and relationships with other adoptive families. This is despite the fact that the movie was made up for dramatic effect.

The couple contemplated adopting a teenage girl, which inspired Lizzy's character. Although the placement did not work out, the meeting had a profound impact on Anders and contributed to the emotional heart of the narrative.

While the film combines comedy and passion, its objective extends beyond entertainment. Anders wanted to provide a candid look at the difficulties and rewards of fostering and adoption. He wanted to demystify the process by demonstrating that, despite challenges, love and perseverance can result in a strong, enduring family.

Real pictures of the Anders family are displayed at the conclusion of Instant Family to serve as a reminder to viewers that the narrative is authentic. The film celebrates the resilience of foster children and their families.