Will & Harper

On Netflix.

Director: Josh Greenbaum

When will Ferrell receives an email from his old friend and collaborator Andrew Steele, he is greeted with surprising news. He has transitioned to the person, she has always known she is, Harper. Harper has always loved travelling the US, but is now unsure about whether the country she loves will still love her back. Not only that, but how will old friends react to this big change. Will & Harper takes us on a roadtrip as they assess attitudes to trans people and their new friendship.

Will & Harper is a thoughtful, and touching documentary about dealing with change, sexuality, navigating a challenging world and of course friendship.

It is in its exploration of friendship where it is at its strongest. There is clearly a real love between the two old friends. Of the two Ferrell, who has the better known public persona, offers a very different view of him. While there is occasional clowning, predominantly we see a clearly thoughtful and caring person, who wants to support and understand his friend. There is no question of Ferrell’s total acceptance of Harper and, on occasion, this puts Harper more on show and open to hostility than he appreciates. In Harper we get a very transparent, touching and often difficult discussion of a life that has taken her on this journey. The hard times from the past and the fears and insecurities of the present and future.

The subject is always intriguing,  but also sad and often funny, with a plethora of SNL alumni cameos.

On the negative side, it perhaps runs a little long and eventually the town visits become a touch repetitive, but these are minor qualms over what is a thoughtful, touching documentary.

Will & Harper is a warm and heartfelt documentary. It is at its best exploring the relationship between two friends as they navigate change. Harper is always open and vulnerable, Ferrell warm, thoughtful and supportive. While it may run a little long, overall it is an insightful and enjoyable documentary.