Will & Harper is a heartfelt human journey captured on the road. There are no egos, and this is no star vehicle, but feels more like an honest relationship between best friends. Director Josh Greenbaum simply stands back and lets Will Ferrell’s charisma and connection to former Saturday Night Live lead writer Harper Steele come through. If this documentary achieves anything it will educate audiences and give them a fresh perspective on the trans community. A cultural addition that ties into gender fluidity and self-expression, where Andrew Steele has transitioned into Harper Steele. A woman who carries all the memories of her life as a man but wants to see if she can still enjoy those pursuits without prejudice.
This film feels like Trains, Planes, and Automobiles without the infamous two pillows scene. It embraces Americana and smalltown mentalities as Will and Harper venture further South. In full make-up, high heels, and a floral dress Harper heads into a local bar to hang out. It is a pivotal point in the documentary that feels physically dangerous to her even with a film crew in tow. To his credit Will Ferrell ensures that this film is all about his oldest friend and uses the screen currency he brings to the project sparingly. In a beaten up station wagon and carrying an old fashioned beer cooler with folding chairs, Will & Harper feels like a stripped ‘80s road movie.
However, this documentary never shies away from its agenda which is to educate and enlighten audiences. With a road trip structure and dashcam footage with both Harper and Will in full frame, there is an improvised edge that never feels gimmicky. As a result, the film feels more accessible and encounters with other people more genuine. This is the trick that Will & Harper pulls off constantly by stripping away any celebrity attached to Ferrell, and letting other people come front and centre. In the grand scheme of things, this documentary is unlikely to be life-changing, and those people who had issues with the trans community before will avoid it. However, the world is made up of choices and those who choose to ignore this subject matter are saying their piece elsewhere. For anyone else with an open mind and curious disposition, please put aside some time and watch this film.
Will and Harper is available on Netflix now.