A recommendation: Will & Harper
One of the best documentaries of 2024 is now (Opens in a new window) playing on Netflix worldwide - it’s called Will & Harper, starring Will Ferrell and his good friend Harper Steele. The doc first premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival earlier this year (here’s my review (Opens in a new window)) and has been playing at many other festivals, including at the Telluride Film Festival a month ago. Will & Harper is a road trip film, it’s a story about friendship and what that means, it’s about growing and evolving as a person, and it’s about what it’s like to navigate America as a trans person. This is the kind of film that can actually change minds, save lives, and make a real difference in the world. It has that potential. It has that power. And the more people that watch it, the better! Spread the good word. The best news is that this wonderful film is available on Netflix worldwide - anyone can watch it at any time, and now is that time to give it a look. Spend an amusing two hours traveling around America with this duo, laughing and smiling and crying with them as they rebuild their friendship and experience the good & bad of U.S. road trips. You’ll feel even better by the end, inspired by the power of friendship and the joy of laughter. This is such a delightful film I didn’t want it to end - it seems they have so many stories and other fun moments to share that we didn’t get to watch. And stick through the credits for all the funny outtakes.
(Opens in a new window)When Will Ferrell finds out his close friend of 30 years is coming out as a trans woman, the two decide to embark on a cross-country road trip to process this new stage of their relationship in an intimate portrait of friendship, transition, and America. Directed by doc filmmaker Josh Greenbaum (also director of the films Barb & Star Go to Vista Del Mar and Strays), Will & Harper is a completely satisfying, nearly 2 hour long documentary film with a fantastic soundtrack of recognizable songs in addition to hilarious and heartfelt footage galore. It’s really a story about friendship above all, but also a story about what it’s like to be a trans person in America. It’s really important to hear Harper’s story, to listen to her honesty, and respect her fears and frustrations. Will is the best friend anyone could ask for, and while he does have fun on this road trip, he also learns some lessons along the way about how to take care of & watch out for a friend like Harper. I wrote in my review (Opens in a new window) from Sundance earlier this year: “what they do show us is pretty much perfect. There's not much I can think of that would make this film any better. It's as touching and as rousing as any film can be.” If you need any more convincing, check out the trailer here (Opens in a new window), or head right over to Netflix and click on “play” today. And if you enjoy this doc, tell everyone else you know it’s worth a watch. Empathy makes the world better.
For more info on Will & Harper and how to watch it. now, visit Netflix.com (Opens in a new window)
