There’s a reason whyHollywood uses road moviesas a way to showcase characters who deepen their bonds. That’s what happens inWill & Harper, a new documentary that Netflix premieres this month. The doc chronicles howWill Ferrell(Barbie) and his best friendHarper Steeledecided to go on a road trip after she came out as a trans woman.
Will and Harper’s story was already movie-worthy: the duo met on the same week they were hired to work onSaturday Night Live. While Ferrell was in front of the camera leading countless sketches, Steele was coming up with ideas for the variety show and became such a standout among the show’s writers that she eventually became a head writer on the long-running series — a position that has already been occupied by some heavyweights likeTina Fey(30 Rock),Adam McKay(Don’t Look Up) andLorne Michaelshimself.
The trailer makes it clear that the movie offers two perspectives. One is from Will Ferrell’s POV as he learns how to get over his own prejudice and accept that his friend is very much still there, even though she looks a little different. Then, we’ll also have Steele’s own story to learn: she declares she loves her country very much, but feels like right now the country isn’t loving her backdue to how she identifies. This prompts her and Ferrell to go on a road trip, to reconnect as friends, through the lens of her new normal.
Will & HarperBoasts a Rare 100% Approval Rate
Will & Harperis directed byJosh Greenbaum, who is also behind documentaries such asThe Short Game,Becoming Bond,andToo Funny to Fail.The documentary had early screenings at film festivals like Sundance and Telluride, and so far the reception has been overwhelmingly positive. So far, the movie stands tallat a rare 100% approval rateonRotten Tomatoes, with critics giving high praise for the movie’s intimate moments.
In her 8/10 review,Collider’sTaylor Gateswrote thatWill & Harper"is a must-watch," not onlybecause it’s a great docbut also because it makes the case that “transitioning and allyship can both save lives.” At the same time, Gates stressed thatWill & Harperis clever enough to make the story “deeply relatable” even if you are cisgender.
Netflix premieresWill & Harperin selected theaters on September 13. Two weeks later, on September 27, the documentary debuts on the streaming platform. You can check out the trailer above.
Will & Harper
In this intimate portrayal of friendship, transition, and America, Will Ferrell and his best buddy of thirty years decide to go on a cross-country road trip to explore this new chapter in their relationship.
