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When you’re friends with someone for a long time, both of you go through life changes—relationships, families, careers, and more—while you continue to stand by one another’s side. And in the documentary Will & Harper, a couple of old friends come together as one experiences a major life change.
Will & Harper sets out on a cross-country road trip with Will Ferrell and Harper Steele, who met nearly 30 years ago, when they both started out on Saturday Night Live. The comic and the writer have been friends through all kinds of life changes. So when Will received a letter from Harper, announcing that she’d decided to transition to live as a woman, he suggested that they set out on a road trip together to reestablish their relationship and to help her reclaim her love of traveling as she adjusts to her new life.
Harper has always loved road trips across the country—but she’s found that her transition has made her afraid. With her famous friend by her side to defuse the situation as needed, though, she’s able to enjoy the experience in a new way. Along this journey, they bicker and joke as old friends often do. But they also take the time to talk about the process—about Harper’s experiences, her years of depression, and what Harper’s transition means for her and for those who love her. And in this open, honest discussion, they show a kind of love and respect that anyone would be lucky to have from their friends and family.
For 16 days, these exceedingly lovable friends stop at basketball games and Walmart parking lots and biker bars. They ask each other some difficult questions. They meet kind, supportive people in Middle America. They eat steak in Texas while hateful strangers troll them on social media. They fight about stopping at Dunkin Donuts. And they both have some incredibly moving moments as they talk about their friendship and the challenges that Harper faces.
This isn’t the kind of dry documentary that shoves facts and policies down viewers’ throats; it’s a sweet and funny and moving film about one person’s experiences—and the friends who’ve stood by her side. And in a time when people seem so quick to judge what they don’t understand, we need more thoughtful, sincere films like this one.
Will & Harper is probably the most endearing road trip buddy comedy you’ll ever see—because it’s real. It’s a truly heartwarming film about two old friends exploring identity and humanity—but it’s also about being a friend and ally when someone needs it the most.
Will & Harper arrives in select theaters on September 13, 2024, before coming to Netflix on September 27, 2024.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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