Movie Review: Will & Harper

4.5 stars out of 5

When I first read the description of this documentary — Will Ferrell and a longtime friend who has recently transitioned take a cross-country road trip — I immediately wanted to see it. I figured Ferrell would be a gentle guide into questions about transgender life that many of us have. And especially with so many stories — and disinformation — focusing on young people transitioning, this seemed like a worthwhile different angle. Plus, I love a good road-trip movie.

Then, when I found out Will’s friend Harper had been a Saturday Night Live writer (and eventually head writer), I was even more interested! I felt like I already knew this person a little, or at least their work. This was probably someone I’d get along with very well.

A bonus of this backstory is some added star power for the movie, as Will and Harper encounter several old SNL pals along the way. Harper readily admits that Ferrell’s celebrity was making this trip more trouble-free for her. She loves dive bars, out-of-the-way diners, etc. (I like her more and more!) But now was worried if, as a trans woman, she could hang out in these same places. So of course having Will on-hand provides a friend’s support, while his fame (usually) puts everyone at ease. Harper knows the true test is entering these spots alone.

I got teary quite a bit watching this film, certainly early on when we meet Harper’s two children. They’ve all decided that the kids will still call her Dad — because she’s their dad. It’s a really sweet scene.

It is not a non-stop joyride across this country of ours. Harper and Will run into people who are less understanding of someone who has transitioned, and encounter some real ugliness. And Harper just revisiting different moments in her life, and in her personal journey, obviously raises a wide variety of emotions.

You do not get the sense that Will Ferrell is trying to show the world what a good guy he is, but nonetheless it comes through. Because this is also very much a film about friendship. In theory, this was a change that could’ve shattered their bond. But that’s the thing about true friendship — it can weather any challenge.