Will & Harper Review: A Journey of Friendship, Identity, and Laughter

In the world of film festivals, standing ovations are commonplace, but few are as explosive and heartfelt as the one that greeted Will & Harper at Sundance. The documentary, directed by Josh Greenbaum, follows comedian Will Ferrell and his lifelong friend Harper Steele, as they embark on a cross-country road trip, revisiting places from Harper’s past and exploring the profound personal journey of her transition as a trans woman. The result is a touching and hilarious movie that transcends the conventional buddy-comedy format and opens up meaningful conversations about identity, acceptance, and the power of enduring friendship.

The Unlikely Duo: Will Ferrell and Harper Steele’s Connection

Ferrell and Steele have a deep-rooted connection, one that stretches back to their days on Saturday Night Live in the 1990s. Steele, a writer at the time, quickly became someone who understood Ferrell’s comedic strengths better than most. In the documentary, their easy going banter and natural chemistry come to the forefront, capturing the kind of friendship that’s hard to find and even harder to articulate on screen. But this road trip isn’t just about laughs it’s about rediscovery. For Harper, it’s her first cross-country journey since transitioning, and it’s a poignant return to the landscapes of her past, only this time, with a whole new perspective on who she truly is.

Revisiting the Past: Steele’s Return to Familiar Roads

For Harper Steele, the open road has always held a certain charm a place of freedom and adventure. As the film reveals, Steele spent years traveling across the country, hitchhiking and soaking up the American landscape. But after coming out as a trans woman, there was a lingering question: Could she still find the same joy in those experiences? Or would the country she loved so much reject her for who she is now? This documentary dives into that question head-on, as Steele revisits old haunts—dive bars, highway diners, and scenic backroads—only to find that while she’s changed, the heart of those places hasn’t.

“I don’t know if I can go to those same places as Harper,” she admits early in the film. But in a heart warming twist, she discovers that the world is more welcoming than she feared. At one point, Steele enters an Oklahoma bar adorned with Trump signs and Confederate flags, a place that seems hostile at first glance. Ferrell waits nervously outside, unsure if it’s safe for her. But to their surprise, the patrons inside greet Steele with open arms, leading to one of the most heart warming and unexpected moments of the film. By the time Ferrell joins the scene, the entire bar is toasting and laughing with Harper, showing that even in places where acceptance might seem unlikely, human connection often prevails.

Comedy as a Bridge: The Duo’s Unique Brand of Humour

One of the film’s greatest strengths is how it weaves comedy into deeper discussions about identity. Ferrell and Steele’s comedic timing is impeccable, and much of the documentary is filled with light hearted moments that contrast with the more serious themes. Whether it’s Ferrell’s petulant craving for Dunkin’ Donuts or their ongoing debate over the “best Pringles flavour,” humour becomes the vehicle that drives their conversations about Harper’s transition.

At its core, Will & Harper is a buddy comedy, but it’s also a film about vulnerability. “Comedy is my language of love,” Harper says at one point, and it’s clear that the shared sense of humour between the two is what keeps their bond so strong. Even when tackling subjects like misgendering, body dysmorphia, and the fears Harper faced before coming out, their exchanges feel genuine, unforced, and often, very funny.

Opening Up About Transition: Honest Conversations on the Road

Throughout the trip, the film allows for moments of raw honesty, where Harper opens up about her experiences, including her struggles before coming out as transgender. These moments are not presented as afterthoughts but are integral to the flow of the narrative. Harper and Will’s candid conversations about top and bottom surgery, mental health, and the emotional toll of hiding one’s true identity add depth to the film.

One of the most striking scenes is when Steele confesses the pain she experienced prior to transitioning, admitting that she had even contemplated suicide. Ferrell, who has been a constant source of support for Harper, is visibly shaken by this revelation. His genuine concern for his friend is palpable, and it’s these unguarded moments of empathy that make the film so moving.

“I had no idea you were in so much pain,” Ferrell says, his voice cracking. It’s a reminder that even the people closest to us may be struggling with inner battles we can’t always see. The film’s ability to navigate these difficult topics while still maintaining a light hearted tone is a testament to the duo’s unique relationship and Greenbaum’s deft direction.

Facing Prejudice: A Reality Check on Trans Visibility

While the documentary mostly paints a picture of acceptance and tolerance, it doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities that trans people face in today’s world. In one scene, after attending a Pacers basketball game, Steele and Ferrell discover that Indiana’s governor, who had exchanged pleasantries with them at the game, had recently signed legislation banning gender-affirming care. It’s a sobering reminder that while many people are supportive, systemic challenges remain.

Later, in Texas, Ferrell and Steele face a more direct form of transphobia. Ferrell, dressed comically as Sherlock Holmes for a steak-eating challenge, attracts unwanted attention, leading to a barrage of transphobic tweets. It’s a sharp contrast to the documentary’s more feel-good moments and serves as a reminder that there’s still much work to be done in terms of societal acceptance and understanding.

Changing Hearts and Minds: The Film’s Impact on Audiences

Will & Harper doesn’t just aim to entertain it’s also designed to challenge perceptions and spark conversations. By presenting Harper’s journey in such a relatable and often humorous way, the film reaches audiences who might otherwise avoid content centered on transgender issues. It’s a movie that doesn’t preach, but rather invites viewers into an intimate space, allowing them to see the world through Harper’s eyes while laughing along with her and Ferrell.

The simplicity of their friendship their ease with one another, their shared history, and their mutual respect is what makes this film so impactful. It’s not about grand gestures or dramatic moments, but rather the quiet, everyday acts of love and support that define true friendship.

A Celebration of Friendship, Identity, and Humour

In the end, Will & Harper is more than just a road trip documentary. It’s a celebration of friendship, identity, and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s about learning to embrace who you are, no matter the obstacles, and finding joy in the journey, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.

For Harper Steele, the film is a triumphant return to the open road, a place where she can be her true self, free from fear or judgment. For Will Ferrell, it’s a chance to show the world what true allyship looks like standing by your friend, asking the hard questions, and being there every step of the way.

At its heart, Will & Harper is a love letter to the kind of friendships that last a lifetime, the ones that are built on laughter, trust, and an unwavering sense of belonging. It’s a film that will leave you laughing, crying, and ultimately, feeling more connected to the people around you. Whether you’re a fan of buddy comedies, road trip movies, or documentaries about real human connections, Will & Harper is a must-watch. And judging by the rapturous response at Sundance, it’s clear that this film is already making waves, changing hearts and minds, one laugh at a time.