Will Ferrell and Harper Steele have been close friends since their days together on the wildly popular sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live. Ferrell emerged as one of the break-out stars from the series, while Steele served as the head writer from 2004 to 2008. Their rapport extended beyond the professional realm into a deep personal friendship, punctuated by shared moments at games, dive bars, and even a collaborative project like the delightful Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.
However, their friendship took on a new dimension in 2021 when Steele came out as a transwoman. “The biggest question when people come out of the closet is, ‘Will I still be loved’,” she poignantly remarks in the documentary, Will & Harper. This film captures the pair undertaking a transformative road trip from New York to Los Angeles. The trip serves as Steele’s way of coming out to America, with Ferrell’s celebrity status providing a protective buffer against potential backlash. It’s also a test to see how their friendship might evolve and adapt to this significant change.
From the outset, the differences in Steele’s life post-transition are palpable. Previously, packing for a trip for Steele meant tossing in a few tee-shirts, a pair of jeans, and some underwear. Now, the process is much more complex, especially when it comes to choosing the perfect shoes. Despite these minor setbacks, the essentials for the journey remain straightforward: chairs, a cooler, and a natty beer.
Their journey kicks off in New York, with a touching stop at the Saturday Night Live studios. Here, they meet old friends and colleagues, including the ever-talented Tina Fey. The camaraderie and affection among the group serve as a nostalgic nod to their earlier days.
Their 16-day adventure brings them face-to-face with a diverse range of individuals across America, from bar patrons to gas station attendants. A particularly emotional encounter occurs at the Grand Canyon, where they meet a therapist struggling with the inability to help a patient. The depth of this encounter sets the tone for the intimate and often raw conversations between Ferrell and Steele.
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The journey is also interspersed with moments of humorous and heartfelt interactions. Ferrell, in his trademark comedic style, throws a tantrum over wanting to visit Dunkin’ Donuts. The duo’s laundry day becomes a metaphorical exploration of their bond, especially as they discuss Steele’s experiences with dating, surgical procedures, and her emotional highs and lows.
Amid these lighter moments, the documentary delves deep into Steele’s personal journey. She shares how she chose her name—an homage to her mother’s high school acquaintance, the celebrated author Harper Lee. Steele also confides that much of transitioning entails learning to accept oneself, a task she finds challenging, particularly because of her “low male voice.”
Throughout the trip, the pair banter about various topics, including a comedic analysis that Steele visibly dislikes, a recurring joke involving Nordstrom Rack, and hilariously christening their beer can jackets as Dolores and Cornelius. Nonetheless, despite the overall warmth and acceptance they encounter, not every stop is welcoming. Texas, in particular, proves to be less hospitable, highlighting the uneven landscape of societal acceptance.
The duo also participate in playful activities, like karaoke sessions belting out ‘I Got You Babe’ and attempting to ride a unicycle in Harper’s childhood hometown. These lighthearted segments are peppered with personal insights and reflections, making them deeply resonant.
One aspect that slightly detracts from the authenticity of their journey is the constant presence of the documentary team. At times, the viewers are conscious of the cameras, introducing an element of artificiality to what is an inherently personal and emotional journey.
As their road trip concludes on a tranquil beach, Ferrell gifts Steele with a present that symbolizes the essence of their journey. Lines from the theme song ‘Harper and Will Go West,’ penned by Kristen Wiig, resonate in the viewers’ minds: “It takes 3,000 miles to get this close.”
Will & Harper, available for streaming on Netflix, offers a moving portrait of friendship, acceptance, and self-discovery. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that their journey is as much about America’s varied landscape of tolerance as it is about the unbreakable bonds of friendship.
Published: September 28, 2024, 03:23 PM IST
English Cinema / World Cinema
