Will & Harper (2024)

September 6, 2024 11:25 PM

In this intimate portrayal of friendship, transition, and America, Will Ferrell and his close friend of thirty years decide to go on a cross-country road trip to explore a new chapter in their relationship.

“We’d go to Lakers games, go on road trips together, surprise each other at random little bars in costume,” Ferrell told Netflix. When Steele came out as transgender three years ago, she wasn’t sure if those same experiences were open to her. Would she feel comfortable at a Lakers game, or rolling up to a dive bar in Iowa? And Ferrell wasn’t sure if their friendship would continue without a hitch. Would he feel as comfortable shooting the breeze in the car with her? That’s when Ferrell came up with the notion that would become Will & Harper, directed by Josh Greenbaum. “What if we went on a road trip together, giving her a chance to go into a cowboy bar or whatever places she misses, and I can be by her side and lend support as a friend?” Ferrell asked. “At the same time, it would give us a chance to reconnect, and figure out what this transition means to our relationship.”

Steele saw the road trip as an opportunity to reintroduce herself to the country she loves. “I didn’t just want to come out in places like New York or LA and forever live on either coast,” Steele said. “I love the whole country. It’s my country, and I wanted to feel a little safer being in it. And I thought that going across the country with Will Ferrell would help me. That’s the privilege I have knowing Will Ferrell.” And thus, the story of Will & Harper begins.

THR: “And I think we eventually landed on the same square: If we actually could convince someone to film it, that maybe it would be something that people would watch. And it would just give them a different perspective or just show off the fact that two people can have a conversation about this.”

posted by kliuless (4 comments total)

I ended up really liking this one. It was tender, funny, and showed two people trying to figure out how to talk to each other & re-establish their friendship in the face of what has & hasn't changed with one person's transition.

It was nicely unpolished, which helped it feel more honest.
posted by The Outsider at 7:23 PM on September 29

I loved how much this centered Harper as the star (which she is!!) and also how much Will Ferrell decentered himself. But he was also happy to protect his friend.

I loved how honest Harper was about her transition and her past. That's her trans experience, certainly, but I loved she embraced all of it.

The friendship between Will & Harper is so sweet! I love them. I love how complicated all of this lets it be. It's so sweet.
posted by edencosmic at 5:38 PM on October 7

Watched last night. Thoroughly recommend. It’s sweet.
posted by whatevernot at 3:44 AM on October 13

I love having the explanation as to why Will has done so many weird movies and weird movie ideas: it's Harper's fault, lololol.

Will's questions: "why Harper?" and "does she still like shitty beer?" Priorities.

Who expects to run into the governor at a game?!

The Texas scene is so creepy. Very fishbowl, though Will going as Sherlock probably didn't help either and I'd guess called more attention to the scene.

Meanwhile, in Vegas, Will goes out in a Fu Manchu 'stashe. Will, all the weird ideas are not all Harper's.

Did crack up at Will's donut fits.

Anyway, this is very sweet. I liked the song when it finally happened (where was Kristin for 2 weeks?!).
posted by jenfullmoon at 6:13 PM on October 14