Will Ferrell is receiving widespread praise for his upcoming Netflix documentary Will & Harper, which tells the story of his close friendship with Harper Steele, a trans woman. The documentary chronicles a road trip the two friends took following Harper’s decision to come out as trans.
The film, described as “an intimate portrait of friendship, transition, and America,” explores how Ferrell and Steele navigate this new phase in their relationship, having been friends for nearly 30 years after meeting on Saturday Night Live in 1995.
Ferrell, who had no prior experience with the trans community before Harper came out, expressed his desire to be there for his friend. In the trailer for the documentary, he shares his idea to embark on a road trip together, saying: “What if we went on a road trip together, giving her a chance to go into a cowboy bar or places she misses, and I can be by her side and lend support as a friend?”
The trailer for Will & Harper, released earlier this week, has left many viewers emotional, with some describing it as a potential life-saving film for the trans community. One person commented, “This film could save trans lives. Will Ferrell is a saint.” Another praised the film for its warmth and authenticity, writing: “Looks so funny, sweet, and real. I adore Ferrell.”
Ferrell’s support for Steele, along with his commitment to educating himself and others about the trans experience, has also drawn comparisons to other public figures. “Will Ferrell deciding to support and love Harper unconditionally when she came out to him really puts some other comedians to shame,” one viewer remarked.
Reflecting on the moment Harper came out, Ferrell shared during a Variety interview that his first reaction was, “how can we help you? What do you need us to do?” He praised Harper for allowing him to learn and ask questions about her transition, admitting that he had little prior knowledge of the trans community.
Ferrell described the film as a way for the cisgender community to better understand the journey of their trans friends. “It’s a chance for all of us in the cis community to be able to ask questions and listen, and just be there as a friend,” he said.
Harper, meanwhile, described Will & Harper as a film that not only tells the story of a trans person’s journey but also that of a cisgender friend “who has to transition himself” in the process of understanding and supporting her.
Will & Harper is set to be one of the most talked-about documentaries of the year, combining humour, emotion, and education as it sheds light on the power of friendship and the complexities of personal transition.
You can watch the trailer below:
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