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Will Ferrell has always been a comedy legend, but the “buddy comedy” genre is not always associated with the performer. Most of the time he is a lone wolf full of anger having to learn to ween it in to be better for those around him, other times he’s just a plain old idiot. That is performer Will Ferrell and often a caricature he carries with himself whenever he is in the public eye. His antics have most likely helped protect the real life version of himself, his family and friends. But what happens when its not him, but a friend that asks him to bring down that façade. A friend who has ventured into life changing circumstances that makes you reflect on everything that was and everything that could be. Harper Steele a former head writer of SNL has transitioned into a woman and has reached out to her closest friends which includes former SNL cast member Will Ferrell. The two worked closely together during their time on the sketch comedy show as well as in Ferrell’s more absurd comedic films such as “Casa de mi Padre,” “The Spoils of Babylon,” and “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.” The two have always had a draw to comedy that made one another laugh even if the rest of the audience is not there for the ride. But this time the journey is different and far more lifer affecting. WILL & HARPER documents Will and Harper on a cross country road trip of America where the two of them get to reconnect, discover this new but honest version of Harper as well as see if the country of America in its post Trump presidency will accept Harper for who she is and always has been. Directed by Josh Greenbaum WILL & HARPER is the rare documentary that not only takes the time for all things considered but is one that can save lives by never purposefully seeking out to be a refugee for others. Instead it is a documentary that shows true friendship and empathy on full display, and even more so that at the end of the world all you want to do is have a cold drink and a warm hug from a friend.

Harper Steele spent many years alone traveling the country. Born Andrew Steele (her dead name she mentions several times herself allowing for this critic to feel comfortable to do the same) she travelled the grimiest and most off the beaten path truck stops, bars and diners always finding a way to connect with the locals without any fears or reservations. But could Harper still visit these place now as a trans woman. It is a tricky but curious question based on not just Harper’s previous experience but also the hostile world we find ourselves in today. We learn early on that Ferrell learned of Harper’s transition in an email during the pandemic where immediate acceptance was given, but like most cisgender people there were many questions and concerns that one may be too afraid to ask those births the idea of this road trip documentary. A chance for Ferrell to listen and ask the right questions and get to rediscover their longtime friend. Both the documentary and Ferrell never ask for a pat on the back for their “bravery” but in a time where so many hollywood big shots preach equality it is endearing and inspiring to see Ferrell take the time to actually learn. It cannot go unnoticed that a performer often unfairly associated with “frat boy” humor is the one to take on this journey of education. The usual antics of Ferrell are there along with the sarcastic put down humor, but this is less a defense mechanism and an awareness of knowing Harper and he will always get a laugh out of these bits.

Amongst all the jokes is a welcoming journey of seeing both Harper and Will protect one another. After a discussion with Harper’s kids the subject of Harper’s physical wellbeing comes into play. Will she be safe from these places and people who can often carry a misogynistic aggression? The answer isn’t “well she will have a man with her” but rather Ferrell is here for full support and like any good friend, man or woman, will protect Harper at every turn even if he understands sometimes she will have to go off on her own. A trip through Oklahoma brings one of the film’s most endearing moments as Harper enters a confederate flag waving bar alone and is instead met with acceptance and love. It can be seen as a root root for America moment, Greenbaum and the filmmaking team also pair it with footage of a dangerous crowd in a local Texas steakhouse where an Instagram post shouting out the celebrity visit is met with transphobic and violent comments. These moments stand out more for Ferrell than the good ones as an overarching pain of failure comes onto him. Harper knows he didn’t fail; the audience knows he did not either but it is painful to see any friend feel scared for their friend.

WILL & HARPER knows never just to become the Will Ferrell show nor does its Hollywood icon want that. Harper and the self acceptance of herself is at the forefront but the doc knows she is doing this through the help of friends. For a year where a behind the scenes Saturday Night Live film comes out HARPER & WILL may end up being the better one due to an array of several former cast members showing up to display their love and support for Harper. We learn that Harper removed herself from the world through depression and even suicidal thoughts but she herself claims that re-entering the world is what will keep her alive and loving herself. Her friends have never left her and while they may have questions its all for her safety and care. Harper Steele is not the poster child for transgenders, as a woman in her sixties she is more focused on finding love herself than guiding everyone else, but it allows her to be a small representative for many who had to hide themselves away due to the generation they were born in or the era they find themselves currently. The documentary works well as showing that Harper’s self discovery does not go stronger as each mile gets closer to its destination but rather her ability to carry the good and toss away the bad. The friendship she has with Ferrell is never performative and the appreciation she has is all too real, but Harper knows it is not a perfect example of what her life will be like going forward. Eventually the road trip ends and life fully begins, but for now it may be easier to get back into the car and run the journey all over again.

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WILL & HARPER IS NOW PLAYING IN SELECT THEATERS AND WILL BE STREAMING ON NETFLIX OCTOBER 27