'Will & Harper' is funny, moving and surprising. But many who need to see it likely won't
At one point in “Will & Harper,” Harper Steele says, “I love this country so much. I just don’t know if it loves me back right now.”
So she and Will Ferrell took a 16-day road trip across America to find out.
That’s the heart of Josh Greenbaum’s film, a warm and funny road-trip documentary where the two old friends don’t so much find the heart of America (though not for lack of trying) as find out what’s in their own hearts. It is a sweet, gentle, at times beautiful movie that does not gloss over the ugliness Steele, a transgender woman, references.
What happens in 'Will & Harper?'
The film begins with Ferrell introducing himself: “I’m Will Ferrell, one of the greatest actors in the world.” He goes on to read a letter from Steele, who joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live” the same week he did and went on to become head writer — while defending Ferrell, who some of the cast didn’t think was funny. The two became good friends, but during the pandemic didn’t see each other for a while.
Ferrell then reads from a letter Steele sent: At age 61, she was transitioning and wanted him to know. Ferrell was surprised. Then he had an idea. Steele had always loved roaming around the country, hitting dive bars and truck stops. How about the two of them head out on the highway together?
With a film crew tagging along.
Of course, this changes the dynamic, Greenbaum doesn’t hide this, and in fact incorporates it into the film. It’s difficult for Ferrell to go anywhere without someone recognizing him (though it’s funny when they don’t), and this brings extra attention to the pair, which isn’t always welcome.
In a Texas steakhouse, for instance, where Ferrell, dressed as Sherlock Holmes — the film confirms that Will Ferrell cannot stop being Will Ferrell — he takes one of those challenges where you get your 72-ounce steak free if you can eat it in an hour. Naturally, a crowd armed with phones gathers. And then social media explodes with vicious, transphobic insults. A clearly distraught Ferrell apologizes to Steele the next day.
The good, the bad and the ugly of America are on display
The reception is better in an Oklahoma dive, where Steele asks Ferrell to wait outside for a bit, just to see how she is received without her famous friend. But it’s not just that. Steele fears for her safety, fully aware of bigotry and violence against trans people who are simply trying to live their lives. She wants to see if she is safe alone.
In this bar, at least, she needn’t have worried. She doesn’t shy away from talking about her transition. In fact, she initiates the conversation. The locals are curious but respectful. And this isn’t some little bastion of liberal thinking in the middle of Oklahoma. It’s a bar festooned with Trump banners and obscene signs attacking Biden.
Farrell and Steele have other adventures, like taking in an Indiana Pacers game (where they inadvertently meet the governor who had recently signed a law banning gender-affirming care), going to a dirt-track race and having a couple of beers at the Grand Canyon. They also visit Steele’s sister, as well as various “SNL” alums like Tina Fey, Seth Meyers, Molly Shannon and Will Forte, among others, all of whom are supportive and encouraging.
The best part of the adventure is the journey
But the best moments in “Will & Harper” are when the two of them are driving down the highway talking. Ask me anything, Steele encourages, and Farrell does. It’s often funny — these are two pretty funny people, after all — as when Farrell asks Steele if she’s a worse driver as a woman. Steele groans and complains about the question and then says yes, she is.
Sometimes it’s a combination of questioning and humor, like when Farrell asks Steele about her breasts after augmentation surgery. She tells people she went through puberty in four hours, Steele says.
There are other times when the discussion is genuinely moving. Steele’s description of the relief she felt when she came out as a woman is remarkable. Ferrell proves a valuable ally, getting to know what is, after all, his friend’s new identity.
You hear a lot that the people who need to see a movie the most will be the ones who ignore it — attack it, even. That’s almost certainly the case with “Will & Harper.” Which is too bad, because it’s a film that offers something too little found: hope.
'Will & Harper' 4 stars
Great ★★★★★ Good ★★★★
Fair ★★★ Bad ★★ Bomb ★
Director: Josh Greenbaum.
Cast: Will Farrell, Harper Steele.
Rating: R for langauge.
How to watch: In theaters Friday, Sept. 13. Streaming on Netflix Friday, Sept. 27.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: 'Will & Harper' review: A funny, tender journey through America