'Will & Harper' review: A heartfelt journey of friendship and self-discovery

Courtesy of Netflix

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"Will & Harper" is a poignant road-trip documentary that explores the journey of self-discovery in America’s heartland. Arriving at a time when we could all use more education, hope, and joy to bridge the contentious political divide, this gentle film follows two long-time best friends reconnecting after one undergoes a significant, life-affirming change. Comedic superstar Will Ferrell and Harper Steele, a transgender woman, share a deep bond dating back to their early days on "SNL," when Steele stood up for Ferrell against early naysayers. However, the pandemic kept them apart for a long stretch.

The film opens with Ferrell reading a heartfelt letter from Steele, in which she reveals that at age 61, she is transitioning. Shocked by the news, Ferrell devises a plan for a 16-day trip across America with a documentary crew to visit the places that once shaped Steele’s identity, from dive bars to truck stops. As she poignantly states early in the film, “I love this country. I just don’t know if it loves me back right now.”

With the film crew in tow, Ferrell and Steele visit various locations, including an Indiana Pacers game where they inadvertently encounter the Governor who recently banned gender-affirming care in the state, and a Texas steakhouse where Ferrell attempts to tackle a 72-ounce steak. Each stop yields its own set of experiences, though Ferrell often struggles with his celebrity status, leading to a distressing moment at the steakhouse where Harper faces transphobic insults online. Ferrell, visibly upset, offers an apology the next day.

Harper receives a warm welcome at the Oklahoma dive bar, where she asks Ferrell to wait outside, hoping to reconnect with the spaces she once frequented. Despite the presence of Trump banners and Confederate flags, the patrons remain respectful and curious. The most captivating moments of "Will & Harper" occur when the two friends are alone on the open road, engaging in candid conversations.

Their chemistry is undeniable, resulting in hilarious exchanges. Ferrell playfully teases Steele about her obsession with Natty Light and jokingly questions her driving skills now that she’s a woman. Beneath the humor lies genuine warmth, and we witness a touching scene in which Harper expresses her relief at finally coming out as a woman. This powerful moment is one that many people need to see and hear.

And with "Will & Harper" debuting on a major streaming service, there is hope that it will illuminate these important topics, spreading messages of love and acceptance rather than hate.

Grade: B+

WILL & HARPER streams on Netflix Friday, September 27th.