A few months ago, my therapist mentioned a Netflix documentary called Will and Harper. It follows Will Ferrell and his longtime friend Harper Steele, who is transgender. They travel across the country together to figure out what Harper’s transition means for their friendship. I finally watched it. So this is my Will and Harper review.
A Surprisingly Human Take on Being Transgender
I really like how normal this documentary feels. Many movies and TV shows exaggerate the transgender experience. Stories often lean into tragedy, triumph, or spectacle. Will and Harper avoids that (mostly).
Instead, the film focuses on everyday moments. Awkward conversations, small discomforts, and those quiet joys. The film isn’t really about “being transgender” in the abstract. It’s about what happens to a friendship when one person transitions and how both people adjust.
That approach is honestly refreshing. It feels closer to real life than most transgender representation I’ve seen
Why Friendship Comes First in Will and Harper
At its core, this documentary is about friendship. Harper’s transition starts the journey, but the emotional center remains the relationship between her and Will.
Throughout the film, Will adjusts how he shows up for a friend who is changing in ways he can’t fully understand. At the same time, Harper navigates public spaces, reactions from strangers, and the vulnerability of being visibly transgender in America.
Those moments work because the film doesn’t rush them. Discomfort stays present. Uncertainty has room to breathe. As a result, both people feel human, not symbolic.
Where the Film Falls Short
This documentary does have limits. Most transgender people don’t transition with the safety net of a famous, wealthy, well-connected friend. Harper does, and that reality shapes what the film can show.
The story also centers Will Ferrell more than Harper. Much of the narrative follows his growth. His learning curve matters. His effort to become a better ally drives many scenes. Harper’s transition remains important, but it often runs alongside Will’s journey instead of leading it.
That framing doesn’t feel cruel or dismissive. Still, it narrows the scope.
Who Will and Harper Is Really For
In my view, Will and Harper speaks most clearly to specific audiences.
It works best for:
- Cis viewers
- Partners, friends, and family of transgender people
- People early in their questioning
Will and Harper functions more as an introduction to allyship than a deep exploration of being transgender. That choice feels intentional. And as an educational tool, it succeeds. It lowers defenses. It humanizes without lecturing. Most importantly, it gives people a place to start.
Is Will and Harper Worth Watching?
Yes. Without hesitation.
Just be clear about what the film offers. This is not a full portrait of transgender life. It doesn’t talk about the dangers, financial risk, or long-term vulnerability. What it does offer is something more relational. It shows how transition can change relationships through care, effort, and honesty.
For someone who doesn’t quite understand the transgender experience, Will and Harper works as a simple recommendation:
“Hey, go watch this.”
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