‘Things that matter are hard.” That’s the lesson a new father teaches in “Instant Family,” a comedy-drama about a couple (Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne) who are unable to conceive children of their own and who choose to adopt — not just one child, but three siblings.
Director and co-writer Sean Anders (“That’s My Boy”) based the film on his own experience: In 2012, he and his wife adopted siblings from foster care — ages 6, 3 and 18 months. In a message to viewers, Anders explains that he’s hopeful that the movie “doesn’t pull punches.” Turns out, it’s a little too manipulative to be a truly honest portrayal of family.
It’s manipulation, in fact, that leads the couple to adopt in the first place. Pete Wagner (Wahlberg) initially resists the suggestion by his wife, Ellie (Byrne), that they take in a foster child. But when he starts to read the stories of children who need a parent — and sees photo after photo of cute waifs — he melts.
Soon the couple is off to parenting class. Unfortunately, this is where “Instant Family,” untrue to its name, takes a little too long to come together. The diverse class of prospective parents is a convenient way to convey inclusivity; there’s a devoutly religious couple; a gay couple; a single mother looking to adopt a future star athlete.
While the movie doesn’t shy away from confronting the obstacles of foster parenthood, it never fully earns its happy ending.
