Will & Harper

Just saw the premiere. It hasn't sold but oh boy it will. It's well worth a watch when it gets distributed. Saw it with my father who is around Wills age, and who appears to be the target demo for this type of film. He came away with a whole new perspective on trans people and ally-ship. But it isn't so preachy that it will turn off this audience and has equal laughs mixed in with the heartfelt moments of Will and Harper's friendship.

Their chemistry together is electric, even at the moments where Will struggles with some of the serious situations and as he tried to treat parts as a comedy act. But this ultimately appears to lead to growth for Will in what it means to be an ally.

No doubt some will take issue with Wills levity but it really adds a whole dimension to what happens when a friend comes out. There is an awkward adjustment phase, but in the end the cameras and the situation melt away.

My only complaint is that Sundance's program director sucks at Q&A and constantly gets bailed out by talented people like Will and Harper.

It's a buddy road documentary in which one of the buddies is newly trans. The film covers 16 days of travel between New York City and Los Angeles, California in the early 2020s. Will Ferrell's longtime friend from Saturday Night Life days, Andrew Steele, has recently transitioned in his late 50s to Harper Steele. Will and Harper travel through suburban and rural America, discussing Will's response to Harper's decision, including some of Will's questions about Harper's process, as well as Harper's experiences as a trans woman. We meet some of Harper's family and see the reactions of various people, including fans at an Indianapolis Pacers game, a bar in Oklahoma, and a massive steak restaurant in Texas. There are surprises and predictable social media reactions.

"Will & Harper" is more about enduring friendship than anything else. Will Ferrell's celebrity skews the exploration of a trans person's daily life in almost every setting. There were some fascinating conversations--with a trans woman named Dana Graber in Peoria, Illinois (I would be fascinated to learn her background since Graber is a common Mennonite name in an area with numerous Mennonites), with Harper's children and sister, and with a psychologist at the rim of the Grand Canyon. "Will & Harper" does advance the reality of trans life in America positively.

An intimate and touching portrayal of a decades-long friendship. Will & Harper is a timely, poignant, and often hilarious documentary that delves into the themes of self-acceptance, life in general, and of course how it feels to be trans. Harper & Will are a great comedy duo, and the touching moments between them as they reflect on their years of friendship and Harper's experiences with such honesty and nuance need to be seen.

It's a very important movie that I hope a lot of people see - if it just helps even one person be a little gentler with themselves and with others, and a little kinder, then it will have been worth it.

My husband and I found this movie to be incredibly heartfelt, and agree it was beautifully done. The topic was approached so artfully, with care and compassion. We didn't realize we could like Will Farrell any more than we already do, but to see his love for his friend, and his own vulnerability was just beautiful. We could all use such a caring, brave friend. Thank you, Harper, for allowing us all in this journey of yours, as we all have so much to learn.

We laughed out loud, cried, and then laughed again. This film should be required viewing in high school, as so many.kids could learn and grow from this film.

This documentary is going to influence so many lives. For those of you who don't understand that statement, let me explain. No one chooses to be "different" but society sets down a strict set of rules that they feel they are entitled to have, causing people like Harper to live a life they never felt alive in. Nothing is more beautiful and freeing then just letting others peacefully be their authentic selves. And if I need to explain what I mean by that as well I will. Being your authentic self means not causing harm to others while doing what you want with your body and soul and that's exactly what Harper is doing here, she's radiating joy because for once in her life she's free to live the life people have forbidden her to live. To be hateful in the face of joy is such a miserable thing, so why don't we watch this documentary and allow the joy of Harper's fresh start consume us. So to all of the comments speaking true to the hate and fear they were taught when their minds were still pure, just stop. It is okay to allow the happiness of others. It won't hurt you to watch this documentary and just for a moment allow yourself to forget all the hate you were taught and be a kid again.

Thank you.