Will & Harper is a documentary that follows Will Farrell and Harper Steele, collaborators and friends, as they take a road trip from the east coast to the west.
Harper's recent transition is the focus of the film and how it relates to her new position in the world and how she relates to it as well as the effect on and perspective of her friends and loved ones namely Farrell(for the purposes of the film). They travel the country and go to small towns, dive bars, and truck stops(places Harper use to love to frequent but now is unsure of her safety in). And mostly its a success, she explores and revels in her new/true identity, her and Will remanence, have adventures, and grow. The trip is not without overt hate and the way the two confront, process, and move through it is inspiring if painfully real. Farrell is more human than perhaps he's ever been, its a doc so one would hope so, but he is actively trying to understand, be compassionate, and show up for his friend which is cool. In some ways it feels like Trans 101 for Cis folks but Harper is incredibly open, vulnerable, and game and her truth especially the more day-to-day struggles and issues- make up, clothes, calmly but reflexively correcting pronouns etc.- elevates it to something intimate and poignant.
If there is a critique it is simply in form. The film feels a bit truncated, by the third act it rushes to wrap things up and provide some kind of conclusionary pathos(which is absolutely earned) and yet the best parts are the various stops along their journey across the country and the challenges they face and fun they have. In the end credits its clear that there is a lot of extra footage and you wish you could see it, it may have been better as a multi-installment show a la Long Way Round.
A funny, moving, powerful portrait of an evolving friendship.
Currently in theaters and streaming on Netflix.
See It.
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