Will and Harper
Comedian and actor Will Ferrell was sent an email from SNL writer and close friend Andrew Steele. The email explained that Andrew was no longer the Andrew that Will had known for the last thirty-something years. Andrew was now Harper, and this was Harper’s coming out. The two quickly decided to take a road trip across the country for Harper to reintroduce herself to the country she loves so dearly and to answer the hard-hitting question: Will it love her back now that she’s no longer Andrew Steele? This is “Will and Harper.”
Originally debuting at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, “Will and Haper” made its way to Netflix in September. The familiar face of Will Ferrell is what draws viewers in, but Harper Steele’s heartwarming story and humorous connection with Will is what keeps them watching. The documentary addresses themes of family, love, friendships and acceptance all in between dialogue discussing shitty beers and road trip restaurants.
It is clear off the bat by said dialogue this is not an SNL sketch but something much more raw that may also not be found in a typical documentary. The conversations that surround the pair range from humorous and light-hearted to serious and almost fear-ridden. Steele’s concern about being accepted by her friend let alone the country, including the many red states they find themselves in, is moving to say the least. Ferrell’s approach to rediscovering his relationship with Steele throughout the experience elicits strong emotions about friendship and love from the viewer as well.
Cinematography familiar to the all-American road trip paired with the mise-en-scene of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer gets viewers comfortable and humanizes the celebrity leads because it’s similar to that of classic American road trip films, such as “Little Miss Sunshine.” It shows the documentary’s leads as their most authentic selves, which is a rare sight to see for a celebrity of Ferrell’s caliber.
There is an elephant in the room throughout the duo’s road trip, and it is that Ferrell is recognizably famous. This serves as both a blessing and curse throughout, and the two acknowledge the fame that Harper gets to almost hide behind for a while. It is also noted this is far from the “typical” trans experience.
Editing techniques used in this documentary aid in the storytelling by far. The use of comedic timing to lighten the heavy load of sad realities that come with the trans experience but also soften what could be a polarizing and unknown subject for the viewer is excellently achieved.
Steele presents herself with grace as she does not shy away from the unknown throughout the film. Her way of storytelling to the viewer feels personable, almost like an old friend, and her vulnerability about femininity in all capacities invites a narrative of respect and awe.
Ferrell is seen in a new light by viewers as no longer the comedic centerpiece but in a supporting role of friend and protector. He is the shoulder for Steele to lean on and the humble dinner date every evening.
A tear-jerking comedy arises when this pair finds themselves on screen. Celebrity cameos appear throughout, which have the potential to, but frankly do not, cheapen the documentary, instead showing a community that rallies around the pair as they embark on a unique take of an all-American road trip. “Will and Harper” is a great piece of media for those who may be apprehensive about discovering the LGBTQIA world, and it shows how friendship extends beyond the bounds of a gender binary.