🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Josh Greenbaum
- Genre: Documentary, Comedy
- Release year: 2024
- Runtime (length): 1h 54min
- IMDb rating: 7.4/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Will Ferrell drives his trans friend across America, mostly to find a Dunkin’ Donuts that accepts them both.
🍿 Will & Harper: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Premise of the Road Trip
The documentary follows Will Ferrell and his longtime friend Harper Steele, formerly known as Andrew, on a cross-country road trip. Harper, a comedy writer, recently underwent gender transition, and the journey serves as a way for the two friends to explore this new chapter in their lives and their friendship. The premise sets the stage for intimate conversations, unexpected encounters, and a exploration of America through a transgender lens.

Exploring Friendship and Identity
As Will and Harper journey across America, they engage in candid conversations about Harper’s transition, Will’s evolving understanding, and the complexities of identity. They meet with various individuals, including other transgender people, psychologists, and everyday Americans, gaining diverse perspectives on gender, acceptance, and the challenges faced by the transgender community. These encounters highlight the varying levels of understanding and acceptance across different regions and communities.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Will Ferrell (Will Ferrell): A comedian embarking on a cross-country road trip with his friend to understand her transition.
- Harper Steele (Harper Steele): A transgender woman exploring a new chapter in life and friendship on a cross-country road trip.
- Tina Fey (Tina Fey): A supporting friend offering insights into Will and Harper’s evolving relationship.
- Will Forte (Will Forte): A supporting friend providing context and humor throughout Will and Harper’s journey.
- Dana Garber (Dana Garber): A trans woman, helps illustrate the reality of trans life in America positively.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Harper: “Going out into the world as just me.” – Harper expresses her excitement about experiencing the world authentically after transitioning.
- Harper: “I’m not Andrew Steele anymore.” – Harper firmly states her new identity and letting go of her past self.
- Harper: “I’m afraid of hating myself… You are a freak, what are you doing here?” – Harper shares her inner fears and anxieties about self-acceptance during her journey.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Will & Harper Reviews
Personal Review
I went into this expecting a lighthearted comedy, but I was blown away by the depth and honesty. Seeing Will Ferrell step outside his usual persona was refreshing, and Harper’s story is truly inspiring. Their friendship is so genuine, and I felt like I was right there with them on their journey. The scene at the Grand Canyon really got to me.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Will Ferrell looking for a different side of the actor”
- “Individuals interested in documentaries about transgender issues and personal journeys”
- “People who enjoy stories about friendship and acceptance”
- “Viewers seeking heartwarming and thought-provoking content”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Discussion of transgender issues”
- “Some language may be offensive to certain viewers”
- “Brief mentions of discriminatory behavior and hateful online comments”
Professional Reviews
- The Hollywood Reporter: “A surprisingly tender and insightful documentary that transcends the typical celebrity travelogue. Ferrell’s genuine curiosity and Harper’s openness create a compelling narrative that challenges preconceived notions about friendship and identity.
- IndieWire: “While Ferrell’s star power initially draws you in, it’s Harper’s vulnerability and wit that hold your attention. The film doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations, making it a valuable contribution to the dialogue surrounding transgender issues.
Audience Reactions
The film’s honesty and vulnerability resonated deeply with viewers.: Many people loved the genuine friendship portrayed and found the film educational and heartwarming.
Some viewers were moved to tears by Harper’s story and Will’s unwavering support.: Audiences appreciated the film’s ability to spark conversations about acceptance and understanding.
Overall Consensus: A touching and thought-provoking documentary that explores friendship, identity, and the American landscape with honesty and humor.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Previously known as Andrew, Harper Steele was the head writer for Saturday Night Live, where she worked for over a decade from 1995 to 2008.”
- “The documentary serves as a platform for Will Ferrell to ask Harper questions about her transition, which she began in 2022, reflecting their long-standing friendship.”
🖥️ How to Watch Will & Harper?
Currently, “Will & Harper” is available on Netflix. Please check your local Netflix library to confirm availability in your region. As a Netflix original documentary, it’s unlikely to be available for purchase on other platforms like Prime Video or Apple TV.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Will & Harper, you might like these similar films:
- Transparent (2014-2019): A dramedy series exploring similar themes of gender identity, transition, and family dynamics.
- Disclosure (2020): A documentary that examines the history and impact of transgender representation in film and television.
- The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert (1994): A classic road trip comedy that touches upon themes of self-discovery and acceptance.
- Chef (2014): Shares the theme of self-discovery and relationship building through a road trip.
🛒 Will & Harper Related Products
- Saturday Night Live: The Best of Will Ferrell – Volume 1: Relive Will Ferrell’s iconic SNL moments, showcasing his comedic genius that made him a star. A great way to understand their shared comedic history.
- Road Trip USA: Cross-Country Adventures on America’s Two-Lane Highways: A guide to planning your own cross-country adventure. Ideal for those inspired by Will and Harper’s journey to explore the American landscape.
- Dunkin’ Donuts Ground Coffee Variety Pack: A variety pack to enjoy your morning Dunkin’ coffee. The perfect item for enjoying during your viewing of Will and Harper.
- Transgender History: The Roots of Today’s Revolution: Comprehensive overview of transgender history. Gain a deeper understanding of the issues touched on in the movie.
🎧 Soundtrack
Will & Harper features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “I Wonder, I Wonder, I Wonder” – performed by Eddy Howard
- “Harper and Will Go West” – performed by Kristen Wiig
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘Will & Harper’ is a documentary about Will Ferrell and his friend Harper Steele’s cross-country road trip as they explore Harper’s gender transition and its impact on their friendship.
Currently, ‘Will & Harper’ is available on Netflix.
Harper Steele is a comedy writer, formerly known as Andrew Steele, who worked on Saturday Night Live. She is also Will Ferrell’s longtime friend.
🔥 Bonus Content
Will Ferrell and Harper Steele on “the trans conversation” in the US
Ever wondered what Will Ferrell *really* thinks about ‘the trans conversation’ in America? He and Harper Steele get super candid in this interview – it’s a thought-provoking discussion that adds so much depth to the documentary!
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