Movie #3402 ........................."Will & Harper" (Netflix)

 Movie #3402 "Will & Harper" (Netflix)  Are you looking for a good documentary to watch that might warm your heart a little?  This might appear as a friends' roadtrip at first glance, but it becomes so much more ---- why?  Because it's a trip Will Ferrell takes with his good friend Andrew (a former SNL head writer) who has come out as trans and  now goes by  the name "Harper" --- The trip deals with meeting up with Harper's kids, going  back to Harper's home town in Illinois, and various other places that either Will or Harper found important (mostly Harper) in their cross-country trip.  They have some easy discussions, but many of them are hard -- both of them facing the truth -- that their relationship will naturally have to change a bit, while still keeping their great memories alive -- they will need to start making new memories, and the film gives hope that that will happen.  I liked a lot of things in this kind of rough documentary --- I liked that Will Ferrell didn't try to steal all of the scenes --- this was a different Will Ferrell, giving up the spotlight to his old friend.  I liked that when we first meet Harper, it's hard to see her as a woman, but by the end of the film, I really see Harper as a woman and with that comes  a huge acceptance of her.  It seems as she gets more comfortable in her body and clothes, so does Will and so does the reader. The film shows it isn't always so easy, but oh, it is well worth any effort.  I'd give this film a 4.  And recommend it.  And make sure to check out Kristin Wiig's song for them that she wrote while they were on the trip --- she sings it in the closing credits (it was nominated for a critics' choice award because it was so touching!)

"WILL & HARPER"     1 hour and 54 minutes        Netflix       2024

In this intimate portrayal of friendship, transition and America, Will Ferrell and his close friend of thirty years decide to go on a cross-country road trip to explore a new chapter in their relationship.

Director:  Josh Greenbaum

Actors:  Will Ferrell, Harper Steele, Tina Fey