Two Friends Talk, Gently and Openly, in Will & Harper

As a long-time movie enthusiast and someone who’s witnessed a plethora of films that span various genres and themes, I must say that Will & Harper has left an indelible impression on me. The film is not just a hilarious buddy comedy or a poignant road trip documentary; it’s a heartwarming tale about friendship, acceptance, and the courage to be oneself.

The following review, penned on January 23, 2024, hails from the Sundance Film Festival. Now available for streaming on Netflix is the movie titled “Will & Harper.

At Sundance’s world premiere of Josh Greenbaum’s documentary titled “Will & Harper“, which follows Will Ferrell and his trans best friend Harper Steele on a cross-country journey, one of the most heartfelt reactions I’ve ever witnessed occurred. While it’s common for movie stars and progressive causes to receive warm welcomes at Sundance, it’s usually discernible when the applause is obligatory versus genuine. However, in this instance, the standing ovation was swift and powerful, suggesting that the festival audience truly connected with the film. Additionally, “Will & Harper” doubles as a humorous movie about two comedians who find themselves on an extended road trip together, which might have contributed to its appeal.

Ferrell and Steele both joined Saturday Night Live in the 1990s; one as an actor, the other as a writer. While Steele transitioned at age 61, she was already adept at writing for Ferrell’s comedic style. In fact, during Ferrell’s first season, many on SNL staff didn’t find him funny. Later, Steele became head writer of the show before departing in 2008 to work with Ferrell’s comedy outlet Funny or Die. She also penned or co-wrote several of his films, including Eurovision: The Story of Fire Saga. According to Ferrell, Steele was quite a character back then – a tough individual who enjoyed drinking cheap beer, hitchhiking, and road trips across the country. However, Harper admits that she has a side she’s not fond of anymore, but insists she hasn’t changed significantly. “I was always Harper Steele,” she says. “Will was always friends with Harper Steele.” Yet, the old rough-and-tumble persona still lingers. “Instead of an asshole, I’ll be a bitch,” she quips.

The idea for the documentary grew out of Ferrell’s desire to accompany Steele on her first trip across the country after transitioning. She still loves country roads and dive bars and highway diners. “I just don’t know if it loves me back now,” she admits. “I don’t know if I can go to those same places as Harper.” These kinds of serious insights are often accompanied by funnier observations. “When I road tripped as a guy, I brought two T-shirts, three underwears, and one pair of jeans,” Steele says. Things have changed, she notes, as the camera cuts to an entire suitcase full of women’s shoes. Early in the film, talking to Steele’s kids about whether they fear for her safety out on the road, Ferrell asks, “Does it help that I do jujitsu? I go twice a month.”

Directed by Greenbaum in 2021’s “Barb & Star Go to Vista del Mar” and 2020’s “Strays”, it is evident that this filmmaker possesses a knack for buddy comedies and road movies. The script includes frequent mentions of various Pringles flavors, as well as Ferrell’s stubborn craving for Dunkin’ Donuts. At several instances, their long-time Saturday Night Live companions appear on screen. They go out of their way to give Lorne Michaels an extended, awkward hug. They request Kristen Wiig to compose a theme song for them: something lively and jazzy, yet with a touch of sadness and a hint of twang. For the remainder of the film, they persistently try to reach her on the phone.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say my journey is tailored to help me revisit the world I was deeply connected with before. Attending a Pacers game, I find myself reminiscing about when I was just another fan in the sea of supporters. I wonder how these folks would recognize me now, but more importantly, I ponder on how I’ll recognize myself. Later, as Harper Steele, I step into an Oklahoma bar adorned with Trump paraphernalia and Confederate symbols, Ferrell stands guard outside, ready to intervene if needed. To my surprise, the bar warmly welcomes Harper Steele. We’re all clinking glasses and taking shots together by the time Ferrell joins us, causing a flurry of surprised glances. “The joke’s on me,” I reflect afterwards. “I’m not afraid of these people. I’m afraid of facing my true self.

As a movie enthusiast, I’d rephrase it this way: During our road trip, the discussions we had were surprisingly candid and heartfelt. We delved into topics like transitioning surgeries, being misgendered, body image struggles, and Harper’s apprehensions before coming out. These conversations never felt forced or insincere. Steele encouraged me to ask her anything I might feel shy about asking a trans person, and I did – albeit awkwardly at times. But what truly struck me was learning that my long-time friend was battling such intense pain that she considered suicide. The movie’s greatest strength might just be its simplicity: the raw intimacy of two friends having open, tender conversations about their deepest thoughts and feelings.

Steele acknowledges that she benefits greatly from her privilege, one aspect being the company of Ferrell on this journey. While he garners more attention than she does, there’s a moment when it works against them in Texas. Dressed as Sherlock Holmes, Ferrell tried to consume an oversized steak, which unfortunately led to a crowd of phones suddenly focusing on them. This incident also sparked news headlines and a barrage of harsh, transphobic comments online.

The movie portrays most characters as understanding, accepting, and non-discriminatory, yet it also highlights the risks transgender individuals often encounter in their daily lives. For instance, during a Pacers game, Ferrell converses with Indiana’s governor, Eric Holcomb, who appears cordial when Ferrell mentions accompanying his friend on her initial road-trip following her transition. However, later they find out that the governor has endorsed a law prohibiting gender-affirming care. This incident is one example in a series of ongoing challenges nationwide. In fact, only three days prior to the celebration of Will & Harper in Park City, the Utah State Legislature enacted an anti-transgender bathroom law.

In several aspects, the film “Will & Harper” follows traditional storytelling patterns. The music playing throughout their journey is quite straightforward, with songs like “Shelter From the Storm,” “America,” “The Weight,” “Truck Drivin’ Son of a Gun,” and even “Luck Be a Lady Tonight” being included, as well as a Vegas-themed number. During their post-screening Q&A, Steele and Ferrell shared that when they initially planned the film, they brainstormed comedic scenarios in advance, but later found that it was more effective to simply let events unfold naturally. However, the duo’s adventure does have a discernible narrative arc, building towards an emotional conclusion that, while not entirely surprising, adds depth to the story. The familiarity of the film could be intentional, as it seems designed to appeal to audiences who might typically shy away from such subjects. Based on the enthusiastic reception at Sundance, it appears to have a good chance of success.

2024-09-27 20:54

Two Friends Talk, Gently and Openly, in Will & Harper

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