What Is Instructions Not Included About?
The premise of Instructions Not Included in 269 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In sun‑drenched Acapulco a charismatic playboy drifts from one carefree fling to the next, his life a loose string of spontaneous parties, impulsive road trips and endless summer evenings. The city’s vibrant rhythm mirrors his own, a place where the ocean’s roar and the streets’ music promise endless possibility. This relaxed world is suddenly unsettled when Julie arrives at his doorstep, clutching a tiny, urgent secret that forces him to confront a reality he has long avoided.
Thrown into the role of guardian for Maggie, a bright‑eyed girl with a boundless energy that both overwhelms and awakens him, the bachelor must trade late‑night escapades for bedtime stories, diaper changes and an unfamiliar kind of responsibility. The film balances light‑hearted comedy with tender moments, letting the audience feel the push‑pull between his lingering desire for freedom and the growing pull of paternal instinct. The tone is warm and breezy, yet carries an undercurrent of introspection as he wrestles with the fear of commitment and the unknown terrain of parenthood.
As the narrative stretches from the colorful beaches of Mexico to the bustling streets of Los Angeles, the protagonist discovers a new kind of adventure—one measured not in reckless stunts but in everyday triumphs and small, unexpected connections. Supporting characters, from loyal friends to enigmatic strangers, hint at the broader tapestry of lives intersecting with his own, adding depth without revealing the story’s deeper turns. Through humor, heartfelt moments, and a vivid setting, the film invites viewers to wonder how a man who once ran from his own shadows will learn to embrace the bright, messy light of a daughter’s love.
What Happens in Instructions Not Included?
The complete story of Instructions Not Included, from the first scene to the last, in 666 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 3 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
As a young boy, Valentín Bravo (played by Andrés Vázquez) was overwhelmed by fear, from spiders to towering heights. His father, Juan “Johnny” Bravo (portrayed by Hugo Stiglitz), believed in tough love and subjected Valentín to harrowing experiences, like forcing a tarantula onto him and tossing him off the dramatic cliffs of La Quebrada. The final straw came when his father locked him in a crypt, leading Valentín to resent him deeply and ultimately run away, declaring he no longer loved him.
Years later, as an adult in Acapulco, Valentín has transformed into a local playboy, indulging in casual flings with tourists—both Mexican and foreign. His carefree life takes an unexpected turn when Julie (played by Jessica Lindsey), a former romantic interest, knocks on his door with a shocking revelation: she has a baby girl, claiming that Valentín is the father. After a brief visit, Julie leaves the baby, Maggie, with Valentín, seeking taxi fare, but she never returns. A phone call from Julie confirms her reluctance to raise the child, leaving Valentín scrambling to return her to the airport, only to miss her flight to Los Angeles.
Faced with the responsibility of his new daughter, Valentín embarks on a journey across Mexico to Tijuana, but his attempt to enter the United States fails when he learns he needs a visa and lacks the funds. Desperate, he sneaks across the border in the hidden compartment of a truck driven by Lupe (played by Agust) alongside many other immigrants. With only a photo of Julie featuring a Los Angeles hotel as a clue, Valentín arrives at the hotel, where disaster strikes when Maggie falls into the pool. In a dramatic moment, Valentín makes a daring ten-story leap from a presidential suite to save her, a stunt that catches the attention of director Frank Ryan (portrayed by Daniel Raymont), who offers Valentín a job as a stuntman—his only means to support Maggie.
Over the next six years, Valentín raises Maggie (now played by Loreto Peralta) in a lively, happy home in Los Angeles, all while establishing himself as a top stuntman in Hollywood. The bilingual Maggie assists her father on film sets, helping him navigate language barriers as he struggles with English. As Valentín navigates fatherhood, he also finds himself compelled to confront his own fears, although he keeps the reality of Maggie’s mother hidden from her by penning fake letters from Julie, detailing exciting adventures that make her absence seem more bearable.
When Maggie expresses a desire to meet her mother, Valentín seeks to find an actress to play Julie, at the behest of Frank. However, Julie soon re-enters Valentín’s life, revealing her transformation into a lawyer involved in a same-sex relationship with Renee (played by Alessandra Rosaldo). This reunion culminates in a painful decision as Julie files for full custody, citing Valentín’s dangerous job and perceived immaturity.
Despite Valentín’s sincerity and heroic actions in saving Maggie, a DNA test reveals he is not her biological father, resulting in him losing custody. Defeated, but not ready to give up, Valentín and Maggie escape back to Acapulco, where he reconnects with old friends and learns of his father’s passing.
Back in Los Angeles, Julie confronts Frank to discover Valentín’s whereabouts. After a tepid promise from Frank, she finds Valentín and Maggie on the beach and surprisingly chooses to drop her custody suit. The trio spends two meaningful weeks together, cherishing their time as a family while Valentín reflects on the fragility of life after a devastating turn of events.
In a heart-wrenching conclusion, Maggie, who has been living with a heart defect, passes away in Valentín’s arms, leaving him alone once more. A year later, Valentín walks the beach with a dog, reflecting on his father’s intentions in helping him build courage and strength. The film ends with a poignant image of Maggie peacefully playing in heaven alongside her grandfather, bringing full circle the film’s exploration of love, loss, and the unbreakable bond between a father and daughter.
Instructions Not Included Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Valentín's Childhood Fears” to “Reflecting on Love and Loss”. 10 events name a place, across 9 locations.
- 1
Valentín's Childhood Fears
As a young boy, Valentín Bravo struggled with overwhelming fears, ranging from spiders to heights. His father, Johnny Bravo, introduced him to tough love with extreme methods, intending to rid him of these fears.
- 2
The Crypt Incident
The final act of Valentín's father's cruel upbringing came when Johnny locked him in a crypt. This traumatic experience led Valentín to resent his father deeply, prompting him to run away and declare his lack of love for him.
Where:crypt
- 3
Valentín's Transformation
Years later, Valentín becomes a local playboy in Acapulco, enjoying a carefree life filled with fleeting romances. His life significantly changes when Julie, a former romantic interest, arrives at his door with a life-altering revelation.
Where:Acapulco
- 4
Maggie's Arrival
Julie drops off her baby daughter, Maggie, claiming Valentín is the father. She leaves in a hurry to find taxi fare and never returns, leaving Valentín to face the unforeseen responsibility of parenthood.
Where:Valentín's home
- 5
Struggle with Parenthood
Valentín receives a call from Julie, indicating her desire to abandon Maggie. Determined to return her to the airport, he rushes but ultimately misses her flight, leading him into a chaotic new role as a single father.
- 6
Journey to Tijuana
Faced with the need to enter the United States to find Julie, Valentín embarks on a journey to Tijuana. However, he quickly realizes he lacks the funds for a visa, forcing him to sneak across the border.
Where:Tijuana
- 7
Leaping to Save Maggie
Arriving at a Los Angeles hotel with only a photograph as guidance, disaster strikes when Maggie falls into the pool. To save her, Valentín performs a daring leap from a ten-story suite, catching the attention of a film director.
Where:Los Angeles hotel
- 8
Becoming a Stuntman
After his heroic leap, director Frank Ryan offers Valentín a job as a stuntman. This opportunity allows him to support Maggie and establishes Valentín as a notable figure in Hollywood over the next six years.
Where:Hollywood
- 9
Hiding the Truth
While raising Maggie in a loving environment, Valentín struggles with his past. He writes fake letters from her mother, Julie, to shield Maggie from the painful truth of her parent's absence.
- 10
Julie's Return
Maggie expresses a wish to meet her mother, prompting Valentín to search for an actress to play Julie. Unexpectedly, Julie returns, now a lawyer in a same-sex relationship, complicating Valentín's life once more.
Show the other 5 events of Instructions Not Included Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Custody Battle
As Julie seeks full custody, she emphasizes Valentín's dangerous job and immaturity. Despite Valentín's love for Maggie, a DNA test reveals he is not her biological father, leading to a painful custody loss.
Where:court
- 12
Return to Acapulco
Defeated yet resolute, Valentín takes Maggie back to Acapulco. There, he reconnects with friends and learns about his father's death, navigating his grief while trying to support Maggie.
Where:Acapulco
- 13
Julie Drops Custody Suit
In Los Angeles, Julie tracks Valentín down with the help of Frank. Surprisingly, she decides to drop her custody suit, allowing the family to spend two precious weeks together on the beach.
Where:Los Angeles beach
- 14
Maggie's Heart Defect
Tragically, Maggie, who has been battling a heart defect, succumbs while being held by Valentín. This heartbreaking moment leaves Valentín to face life without her, filled with memories of their time together.
- 15
Reflecting on Love and Loss
A year later, Valentín strolls along the beach with a dog, contemplating his father’s intentions of instilling courage in him. The film concludes with the bittersweet image of Maggie playing in heaven alongside her grandfather.
Where:beach
Who Are the Main Characters in Instructions Not Included?
4 characters, among them Valentín Bravo (Eugenio Derbez), Maggie (Loreto Peralta) and Julie (Jessica Lindsey): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Valentín Bravo (Eugenio Derbez)
Played by Eugenio Derbez
Valentín is a complex character shaped by a tumultuous childhood, evolving from a scared boy to a resilient father. His carefree façade masks deeper insecurities, yet he exhibits unwavering love and dedication to his daughter, ultimately growing into a heroic figure willing to sacrifice for her well-being.
- 👨👧 Father
- 🎭 Caring
- 😞 Vulnerable
-
Maggie (Loreto Peralta)
Played by Loreto Peralta
Maggie is a spirited and intelligent young girl who embodies resilience. Despite her health challenges, she shares a deep bond with Valentín, becoming a source of motivation for him. Her innocence and curiosity fuel the narrative, driving Valentín to confront his fears and responsibilities.
- 👧 Daughter
- ❤️ Innocent
- 🌟 Resilient
- J(
Julie (Jessica Lindsey)
Played by Jessica Lindsey
Julie serves as a pivotal figure in Valentín's life, introducing unexpected complexities into his world. As the mother of Maggie, her decisions drive the plot while she navigates her own transformation, showcasing the theme of personal growth amid life's challenges.
- 👩⚖️ Lawyer
- 🔄 Transformative
- ⚖️ Complicated
- FR
Frank Ryan (Daniel Raymont)
Played by Daniel Raymont
Frank is a perceptive director who recognizes Valentín's potential as a stuntman. His character plays a crucial role in steering Valentín's career, while also reflecting on the complexities of Hollywood life and the sacrifices actors often make for their craft.
- 🎬 Director
- 🚀 Ambitious
- 🤝 Supportive
Where and When Is Instructions Not Included Set?
Instructions Not Included is set in Acapulco, Tijuana and Los Angeles. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The movie unfolds over several years, portraying Valentín's evolution from a fearful child to an adult grappling with unexpected parenthood. It captures both his struggles and triumphs across different phases of life, immersing viewers in the complexities of love, family, and personal growth set in the modern era.
Where
Acapulco, Tijuana, Los Angeles
The film takes place in various vibrant locations across Mexico and the United States. Acapulco, known for its stunning beaches and nightlife, serves as Valentín's home and backdrop for his carefree lifestyle. Tijuana is highlighted as a pivotal crossing point in Valentín's journey as he seeks to reunite with his daughter, while Los Angeles represents his aspirations and the challenges he faces in fatherhood and his career.
- 🏖️ Beach
- 🏙️ City
- 🇲🇽 Mexico
What Are the Themes of Instructions Not Included?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Fatherhood, Loss and Identity.
-
01
Fatherhood
Fatherhood is central to the narrative, exploring Valentín's transformation into a devoted parent despite initial reluctance. The film delves into his emotional journey, showcasing the bonds formed through love and sacrifice while confronting the profound responsibilities that come with raising a child.
-
02
Loss
The theme of loss permeates the film, as Valentín faces significant heartbreaks, including the passing of his daughter. It addresses the painful realities of separation and the enduring impact of losing loved ones, ultimately emphasizing the importance of treasuring moments together.
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03
Identity
Identity is explored through Valentín's journey and his preconceived notions of masculinity and fatherhood. As he navigates challenges, including societal expectations and personal fears, he reshapes his understanding of what it means to be a father and confronts his own past.
What Kind of Film Is Instructions Not Included?
Bittersweet in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Bittersweet
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A bittersweet and emotionally resonant journey that blends the heartwarming joys of unexpected fatherhood with the profound weight of love and loss, ultimately offering a poignant reflection on family.
- heartwarming
- melancholic
- bittersweet
- reflective
- uplifting
- emotional
- fatherhood
- parenting
- found family
- personal growth
Content notes: child death, parental abandonment.
Quiz
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