Will & Harper: A Comedian in a Car with his Confidante Tests Middle America's Humanity

By Thom Ernst

Rating: A

Will & Harper is very funny, and that should come as no surprise considering Will Ferrell is in the title. I wasn’t particularly fond of Ferrell's brand of humor, but this documentary by Josh Greenbaum (Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar) forces me reconsider my negative stand against the comedian.

Ferrell’s warmth and compassion reveal a side of him few have seen, and I doubt I’ll be the only critic surprised by the depth of humanity woven into this story. Beyond the humor and pathos, Will & Harper is a touching and heartfelt exploration of friendship.

Harper Steele and Will Ferrell in Will with & Harper

Few will question Ferrell’s place in cinema history. As a Saturday Night Live alumnus, he has starred in countless films, many of which have become box-office hits, despite my long-held confusion over his appeal. But while his success remains a mystery to me, it’s clear millions of fans find something special in him. This universal popularity makes Ferrell the perfect person to accompany Harper Steele on her journey.

Harper, who has recently transitioned from male to female, is the “Harper” in the title. Together, Will and Harper embark on a road trip through the American Midwest, stopping at truck stops, roadside diners, and dive bars, all places Harper frequented before her transition.

Harper is determined to hold on to this part of her past, hoping that the places and people who once embraced her will still accept her now. And with Ferrell’s fame as a buffer, Harper has a safe space to test those waters.

The documentary follows the pair as they navigate these backroads, traveling through Texas and stopping in places that once welcomed Harper as “one of their own,” though she is now unsure as to how she will be received.

The film balances unexpected moments of joy and humanity with sharp turns into the uglier side of ignorance and hostility. Yet through it all, Ferrell, despite his characteristic clowning and antics, remains deeply committed to Harper and to their friendship, giving the film a sincerity that transcends mere entertainment.

Will & Harper is an unexpected gem, filled with moments of genuine connection. In an industry often dismissed as superficial and glittered with insincerity, director Greenbaum captures real, unfiltered truth. When those truths are met with understanding and acceptance, the film—and the audience—revels in joy. But the moments of rejection and ignorance hit just as hard, adding to the film's emotional complexity.

This documentary stands out not only as a moving portrayal of friendship but also as a powerful entry in the LGBTQ2+ genre. With its blend of humor, heart, and raw honesty, Will & Harper emerges as an unlikely but deserving winner.

Will & Harper . Directed by Josh Greenbaum. With Will Ferrell and Harper Steele.  Available on Netflix September 27.