4 out of 5

Will Ferrell is best known for his energetic comedic performances in the likes of Anchorman and Elf. However, this new documentary Will & Harper is a (mostly) more serious outing for the comedian, which sees him embark on a 16-day road trip across the United States with Harper Steele, an old friend of his who has recently transitioned. Having not seen each other in some time, the trip is an opportunity for Ferrell to get to know the person Harper has become, and for Harper to revisit some of her favourite places as her true self. It’s a format that allows for both wonderfully uplifting moments and poignant truths to come through naturally.
As a reviewer, I have to declare my bias here. As a woman with a trans history, I have skin in the game, as it were. I couldn't help viewing this film through the lens of my own lived experience. I found it authentic and moving, not in a fabricated way but in a way that just creeps up on you and you find yourself crying along with both Will and Harper.

With their friendship dating back to when they worked on SNL together, the genuine companionship and love Ferrell and Steele have for each other is evident in every beer and laugh they share. Their closeness enables them to talk openly about aspects of transitioning in a way that helps both Ferrell and audiences better understand Steele’s situation, with many of these conversations having points of gut-wrenching honesty within them.
Steele’s main point of concern is that she will no longer be accepted in the places she loves. While small moments like drinking with strangers in a bar that initially looks uninviting show that humanity can be warm and welcoming, frequent misgendering illustrates that her anxieties are justified. Nowhere are these fears better exemplified than in a scene that sees Steele read a series of vile and hateful tweets directed at herself after the pair are captured eating at a Texas restaurant.
As someone who has had similar experiences on social media including coordinated attacks on me, this resonated, particularly when Harper said that some of this stuff sticks in your head.

It’s somewhat irritating then that the film periodically shatters its artifice by throwing in celebrity cameos and playing into Ferrell’s comedy routines. For that, I had to deduct one star. This documentary is at its best when the subjects are being themselves and enjoying each other’s company. A sequence in which Ferrell disguises himself for dinner goes against the film’s tone, and instead comes across like a gag from one of his comedies. The moments of levity feel out of place amidst the poignant narrative of self-discovery and acceptance.
Despite these shortcomings, Will & Harper remains a poignant exploration of friendship, identity, and resilience. It serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and support in the face of adversity. The documentary sheds light on the complexities of transitioning and the power of genuine human connection, leaving viewers with a deeper appreciation for the courage it takes to live authentically.
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