In Netflix documentary Will & Harper, Will Ferrell and his longtime writing partner, Harper Steele, take a journey across America shortly after Will learns of his friend’s transition from man to woman. The results run a gamut of emotions, and this winds up being one of the sweetest, most enlightening and heartwarming film experiences of 2024.
In his early Saturday Night Live days, writer Andrew Steele teamed up with a then-unknown Will Ferrell. Their partnership led to some of Ferrell’s best sketches, and some of his stranger post-SNL movies and projects (Casa de Mi Padre, The Spoils of Babylon). In 2021, Ferrell received an email saying Andrew was becoming Harper; by Ferrell’s account, it was a complete surprise.
The two get together for the first time since the transition, and head out on one of Harper’s beloved cross-country trips. Harper usually went on such trips alone, but this time, Will is along for the ride, and many fascinating adventures and conversations ensue.
Will asks all the questions that one might expect, and Harper answers. Some communities embrace the duo as they attend basketball games or go to a bar. Others, not so much. (A visit to a Texas steakhouse is a low point.)
The trip is full of laughs, tears, joys, frustrations and the kind of honesty that is rare, even for a documentary. When Will and Harper decide, sitting on a beach in California, to drive back across the country together, you’ll feel sad that the camera won’t still be running, because they are an endearing and thoroughly enjoyable movie team.
Hey … maybe the camera was running, and perhaps there will be a sequel? Will & Harper Part II please!
Will & Harper is now streaming on Netflix.
