I was always a big fan of Saturday Night Live although not much of one of its cast performers Will Ferrell. That has all changed now after seeing him in a brand new documentary WILL and HARPER that shows the man and not the actor. Back in the late 1990’s before Hollywood made Ferrell an A List movie star, he appeared on our TV’s every week in the hit late-night live sketch comedy variety show created by Lorne Michaels
He was very good friends for decades with the shows head comedy writer Harper Steele but since she transitioned, they haven’t spent a great deal of time together. They decide though its time for them to handle what their friendship now is, whether major changes are needed, how to act, what to ask, what not to ask, etc. And they decide they will do this by taking 16 day ride crossing the USA from coast to coast.
Kudos for them taking a route through some very uncharted terrority in really red States where for the most part the locals fail to recognize the Hollywood star or the fact that Steele is transgender. Although this reunion is about two friends renewing their close relationship it is also an exercise in how the world at large will perceive that and also Harper’s gender reassignment.
Steele is in her 60’s and is the parent of two young adult children and before she and Ferrell take to the road they all meet up in a diner. The geniune love and affection within the family and Ferrell sets the pace for the film.
Ferrell avoids the trap of playing the big movie star and its touching to see him articulate about his ignorance about transitioning. Although he refrains from wanting to be too forcible in his support, it is quite wonderful to learn that he was the one that insisted that Netflix release the film way before the US Election.
This road trip makes for compelling viewing not just because the couple’s friendship blossom in front of your very eyes, but because of the important contribution it makes to the continuing dialogue about the trans community. These are tough times politically and its thanks to excellent movies like this we can understand and support our trans brothers. and sisters so much more
Directed by Josh Greenbaum the film is streaming on Netflix
ROGER WALKER-DACK Creator, Editor-in-Chief Miami Beach, FL / Provincetown, MA IG @QUEERGURU Member of G.A.L.E.C.A. (Gay & Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association) and NLGJA The Association of LGBT Journalists. and The Online Film Critics Society. Ex Contributing Editor The Gay Uk & Contributor Edge Media Former CEO and Menswear Designer of Roger Dack Ltd in the UK
Labels: 2024, documentary, Harper Steele, Netlfix, review, trans, Will and Harper, Will Ferrell
