: Modern scripts focus on the awkwardness and insecurity that new step-parents face. Instead of asserting immediate, harsh authority, contemporary characters are shown navigating the delicate boundary between friend and disciplinarian.

(2018), we see a shift toward the "bonus parent" concept. These characters aren’t there to replace a biological parent; they are navigating the delicate balance of providing support and discipline without having the inherent legal or biological rights. Movies now acknowledge that respect as a parent isn't a given—it's earned through consistent showing up and "choosing" the children every day. 2. The Nuance of "Found Family"