Will & Harper

Just saw the premiere. It hasn't sold but oh boy it will. It's well worth a watch when it gets distributed. Saw it with my father who is around Wills age, and who appears to be the target demo for this type of film. He came away with a whole new perspective on trans people and ally-ship. But it isn't so preachy that it will turn off this audience and has equal laughs mixed in with the heartfelt moments of Will and Harper's friendship.

Their chemistry together is electric, even at the moments where Will struggles with some of the serious situations and as he tried to treat parts as a comedy act. But this ultimately appears to lead to growth for Will in what it means to be an ally.

No doubt some will take issue with Wills levity but it really adds a whole dimension to what happens when a friend comes out. There is an awkward adjustment phase, but in the end the cameras and the situation melt away.

My only complaint is that Sundance's program director sucks at Q&A and constantly gets bailed out by talented people like Will and Harper.

It's not easy opening up and allowing yourself to be vulnerable. Friends Will and Harper both allow themselves to be silly and awkward while they reexamine their past and future on this road trip.

Will is an excellent choice to be the avatar of the viewer as many people aren't familiar with trans people or the issues they face, though they harbor no ill will. As a familiar face, Will brings a certain comfort to people while exploring an unfamiliar topic. He asks the questions many people want to ask, even the questions that are a bit too personal for everyone to ask the one trans person they know. This film comes at a time when acceptance of trans people is remarkably high, but also remarkably low.

Trans people just want to exist in peace and happiness, but that existence has been turned into political theater. This documentary highlights how normal and harmless trans people are, while also reminding viewers how extremely negative the public can be to trans people for simply existing. Great progress has been made, but the backlash has also been strong and severe. Trans people are just people; your friends, family, neighbors, and often the people creating your favorite art and entertainment.

This film might not change your mind, but hopefully it'll give you something to think about the next time you hear incendiary rhetoric being used to scapegoat all trans people.

I just saw an early screening of "Will & Harper" and went on the ride of a lifetime. It felt like a privilege to go along with these two old friends on a journey of self-discovery and redefining their relationship. Loved every minute of it, all the way through the end credits. You see a new, intimate side to Will Ferrell and learn about an extremely talented and tortured soul who can finally be who they truly are. You wish everyone would watch this movie, because if they do they will definitely have more compassion for the transgender community. Unexpected moments, lovely scenery and great cameos, too.

It's a buddy road documentary in which one of the buddies is newly trans. The film covers 16 days of travel between New York City and Los Angeles, California in the early 2020s. Will Ferrell's longtime friend from Saturday Night Life days, Andrew Steele, has recently transitioned in his late 50s to Harper Steele. Will and Harper travel through suburban and rural America, discussing Will's response to Harper's decision, including some of Will's questions about Harper's process, as well as Harper's experiences as a trans woman. We meet some of Harper's family and see the reactions of various people, including fans at an Indianapolis Pacers game, a bar in Oklahoma, and a massive steak restaurant in Texas. There are surprises and predictable social media reactions.

"Will & Harper" is more about enduring friendship than anything else. Will Ferrell's celebrity skews the exploration of a trans person's daily life in almost every setting. There were some fascinating conversations--with a trans woman named Dana Graber in Peoria, Illinois (I would be fascinated to learn her background since Graber is a common Mennonite name in an area with numerous Mennonites), with Harper's children and sister, and with a psychologist at the rim of the Grand Canyon. "Will & Harper" does advance the reality of trans life in America positively.

An intimate and touching portrayal of a decades-long friendship. Will & Harper is a timely, poignant, and often hilarious documentary that delves into the themes of self-acceptance, life in general, and of course how it feels to be trans. Harper & Will are a great comedy duo, and the touching moments between them as they reflect on their years of friendship and Harper's experiences with such honesty and nuance need to be seen.

It's a very important movie that I hope a lot of people see - if it just helps even one person be a little gentler with themselves and with others, and a little kinder, then it will have been worth it.