Will & Harper is a beautiful story of friendship and change, with plenty of laughter along the way. Will Ferrell has made a career out of being a comedic actor. From his breakout role in 1995 on Saturday Night Live, Ferrell has been making crowds laugh and bringing joy to people from behind the screen. During this time, he also made close friendships with others behind the camera. One of these individuals is Harper Steele, who is undergoing an intense change which leads to these friends seeking to reconnect on a deeper level.
Both Will and Harper were hired to work on SNL around the same time, and from that moment on, the pair became close friends. However, Harper had yet to come out as a transgender woman both socially and privately. Decades later, when Harper writes to Will to assert their newfound identity, Will jumps at an opportunity to connect with his dear friend and gets to know them as Harper. To do this, the pair embark on a cross-country road trip where they meet friends, old and new, and ask the hard questions that come with change.
Will & Harper Explores Real, Deep Friendship
It’s clear from the start that Will and Harper have some hurdles to overcome in getting comfortable around each other following some time apart and Harper’s transition. But both Will and Harper are dedicated to being there for one another. Will has a sincere desire to support and care for his friend, and Harper understands Will’s curious, unobtrusive nature to such an extent that she wants to share herself and answer questions.
Will & Harper feels as though we’re simply sitting in on a conversation between close friends.
The documentary does a great job of balancing the comedic moments from Ferrell, who is unable to go anywhere in public without being recognized, and the more considered moments as the pair ask and answer questions in the car or while sitting on folding chairs. Over two weeks, the pair spend all of their time together, nurturing their friendship and providing a template for how difficult conversations can be conducted.
Unlike typical documentaries, Will & Harper steers away from the usual interview format, or filming guests against a plain background or simply decorated room. Rather, the film simply captures conversation and the daily moments that are shared between its titular subjects. In this way, it is much more natural, and Will & Harper feels as though we’re simply sitting in on a conversation between close friends. It’s the perfect way to explore such an important subject.
Will & Harper Delivers Fun, Depth & Emotion
While the documentary is nearly two hours long, the entire film has a consistent and steady flow. The highlights of Will and Harper’s conversations are included alongside moments that cause both to challenge their beliefs and dispositions. While the film explores struggles and highlights challenging topics, it also inspires hope for a country that is so often seen as divided and fractured.
Will & Harper is a perfect example of how important simple conversation, and a willingness to ask and listen is in modern life.
That isn’t to say the film doesn’t also expose some of the darker underbelly of public opinions and the challenges faced by the trans community. It also reveals there is far more love and acceptance, even in places we wouldn’t expect, than there is bigotry and hatred. While the film introduces dozens of friendly faces, who warmly welcome Harper and Will into their spaces, the individuals who find fault are faceless and hidden behind screens.
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Such a documentary is vital, and it’ll help people find healthy ways to navigate these moments while still upholding their friends. The choice to follow and witness Will and Harper’s friendship becoming even more firm and unshakable through their mutual love, appreciation, and care for one another creates something rich and inspiring. Will & Harper is a perfect example of how important conversations can be, so long as there’s a willingness to be open.
Will & Harper is available to stream on Netflix on September 27.