Will Ferrell and Harper Steele have a friendship that dates back to their days on Saturday Night Live (SNL). Ferrell emerged as one of the standout stars of the iconic sketch comedy show, while Steele held the pivotal role of head writer from 2004 to 2008. Despite differing career trajectories, their bond endured, marked by shared experiences at games, dive bars, and successful collaborations such as the co-writing of “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.”
In 2021, Harper Steele embarked on a personal journey by coming out as a transwoman. This transformative period not only altered her life but also posed a significant question she expresses in their documentary “Will & Harper”: “Will I still be loved?” To navigate this period of immense change, Ferrell and Steele take on a cross-country road trip from New York to Los Angeles. Ferrell’s celebrity serves as a buffer against potential backlash, while the journey aims to reinforce their bond and assess what, if anything, has changed between them.
The differences manifest at the very beginning of their journey, starting with the act of packing. Harper, who previously followed a more straightforward packing routine as a man, now meticulously deliberates over choices, such as picking the right shoes. Essential road trip items include “chairs, a cooler, and a natty beer,” according to Steele. Their first stop is none other than the SNL studios in New York, where they reconnect with former colleagues and friends, including Tina Fey, setting a nostalgic tone for the trip ahead.
Over the course of their 16-day adventure, the duo visits a myriad of places, from obscure gas stations to lively bars. At the Grand Canyon, they encounter a therapist who candidly shares the limitations of their ability to help a patient. Other significant encounters include Steele’s children and her sister, prompting Ferrell to inquire about their feelings regarding Steele’s transition. These candid conversations offer profound insights into the emotional landscape of those closest to Steele.
The long car rides naturally become a space for deep conversations.
. Ferrell asks Steele questions about diverse topics such as dating, surgery, and the oscillating feelings of despair and joy that accompany such a monumental change. They reflect on personal anecdotes, like the origin of Steele’s name, Harper, a nod to her mother’s schoolmate, Harper Lee. Steele shares the challenges of accepting her new self, including discomfort with her “low male voice.”
As miles pass, there are light-hearted moments that bring a sense of everyday normalcy to their journey. From Ferrell throwing a tantrum over wanting to visit a Dunkin’ Donuts to the mundanity of doing laundry when they nearly run out of clean underwear, the trip is punctuated with moments that range from the mundane to the humorous. They engage in activities like analyzing comedy—a practice Steele particularly dislikes—and playfully naming their beer can jackets Dolores and Cornelius.
While most interactions during their trip are warm and welcoming, their experience in Texas dampens the spirit momentarily, reflecting the social challenges faced by trans individuals. Despite this, the duo continues to push forward, embracing both the joyous and rough moments equally. Activities like singing “I Got You Babe” in karaoke and trying out a unicycle in Harper’s hometown—reminiscent of her junior high days—add a richer texture to their journey.
Despite the authenticity of their experiences, one cannot ignore the lingering presence of the camera, which occasionally adds a layer of artificiality to this deeply personal documentary. The fact that it is all being documented can distract from the raw, unfiltered emotions at play.
As their journey concludes on the sun-kissed beaches of California, Ferrell presents Steele with a heartfelt gift that encapsulates the essence of their cross-country journey. Echoing through their minds are the lines from “Harper and Will Go West,” the documentary’s theme song crafted by Kristen Wiig: “It takes 3,000 miles to get this close.”
“Will & Harper,” a documentary chronicling this emotional and transformative journey, is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
Published – September 28, 2024 03:23 pm IST
English cinema / World cinema
