‘Instant Family’ Trailer: Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne Turn Director Sean Anders’ Real Life Into a Comedy

To most movie-goers, filmmaker Sean Anders’ name is likely synonymous with broad comedies like “Sex Drive,” “That’s My Boy,” and “Daddy’s Home,” but the writer and director has taken a teensy turn into more dramatic territory with his latest film, “Instant Family.” It’s understandable that Anders might hedge a bit more to the drama for the Mark Wahlberg– and Rose Bryne-starring film, because while the family comedy looks to have some laughs in store, it all comes from a very personal place.

The film follows Pete (Mark Wahlberg) and Ellie (Rose Byrne) after they decide to start a family, turning to foster care adoption in the process. Initially looking to adopt just one tyke, they end up meeting three siblings, including Isabela Moner as a rebellious teen. That’s an instant family.

Anders based the film on he and his wife’s own experience with foster care adoption, and Pete and Ellie’s path closely follows their own, with probably a few more laughs. The film also stars Octavia Spencer, Isabela Moner, Tig Notaro, and Margo Martindale.

Check out the first trailer for “Instant Family” below, plus a featurette showing off the real-life story that inspired it. The film hits theaters on November 16.