Exploring Friendship and Identity in “Will & Harper”
How well do we truly understand our friends? Our neighbors? Even ourselves? The new documentary “Will & Harper,” which premieres in select theaters on September 13 and will be available for streaming on Netflix starting September 27, invites viewers on a poignant journey. Featuring the beloved comedian Will Ferrell and his close friend and creative partner, Harper Steele, the film chronicles their road trip from New York to California as they seek to explore these profound questions.
Listen to the Conversation with Will Ferrell and Harper Steele
The iconic comedian and his best friend discuss the transformative journey that brought them closer together.
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Amazon | iHeart | NYT Audio App
Embarking on a quest for meaning along America’s highways is a classic narrative, yet “Will & Harper” presents this theme in a uniquely compelling way. Harper Steele, a trans woman who came out to her friends — including Ferrell — just two years ago, has a rich background as a comedy writer. Many of her formative years were spent at “Saturday Night Live,” where both she and Ferrell honed their craft, with Steele eventually ascending to the role of head writer. During our conversation, they candidly reflected on the challenges of working in such a high-pressure environment, each offering their own perspectives on the hurdles they faced.
The road trip itself was filled with ups and downs, providing an opportunity for the duo to engage in heartfelt discussions about what Steele’s transition means for their friendship. Along the way, they also sought to gauge how their fellow Americans perceive transgender identity. As expected from a film featuring Ferrell, the soul-searching journey is often laced with humor. However, in light of the current political landscape surrounding trans rights, what might appear as lighthearted comedy can quickly turn serious.
A particularly striking moment in the documentary occurs when Steele and Ferrell stop by a lively steakhouse in Texas, anticipating a light-hearted eating challenge. What follows, however, is anything but goofy. This moment, alongside the film’s emotional depth, stirred feelings in me that I hadn’t previously experienced from Ferrell’s work. (And I say this as someone who passionately defends the underlying depth of his wonderfully absurd film “Step Brothers.”) As “Will & Harper” unfolds, both the film and the individuals at its center reveal that change is often not just beneficial but essential — and it can be humorous as well.
The Essential First Question: How Did You Become Friends?
Ferrell: Our friendship blossomed at “Saturday Night Live.” We were both brought on board in the summer or fall of 1995, joining a fresh and unfamiliar team. There was a day when Harper and I decided to go out for lunch — a lunch that would prove pivotal in my life.
