Director: Josh Greenbaum
Country: USA
UK Distributor: Netflix
Will Ferrell (Anchorman, Talladega Nights) has long been one of Hollywood’s biggest names in comedy. Having made his break on the legendary American TV mainstay Saturday Night Live, he made friends there with one of the writers of the show, with whom he maintained a lifelong friendship. Three decades later, this friends came out as trans, becoming Harper Steele.
In this documentary, Will and Harper decide to road-trip across America, both to visit important places from Harper’s life, but also to explore this new chapter in their relationship. Only a year since Harper’s coming out, there is much for the pair to talk about, both in the car and in the bars and diners of the windswept Midwest. What follows is a comprehensive account of the lived trans experience in America, with in-depth portraits of both Harper’s transition and Will’s allyship.
Initially, the focus is on the reaction of those nearest and dearest to Harper. Her coming out story, both to Will and her family, are told in detail and we see a heartening scene in which Harper’s grown-up children demonstrate – and celebrate – their acceptance of their father’s new identity. But as the duo begin to cross America, it becomes clear that any problems Harper has experienced have not come from those closest to her.
Ferrell is, of course, recognised as he crosses the country. And as paparazzi begin to take photos of the two together, photos appear in the media, putting Harper – and her identity – under the spotlight. And the trolling that ensues in ruthless. One scene in a restaurant in Texas is particularly unpleasant, in which every diner in the building has turned their camera phones on the two of them, exposing them both to a relentless public backlash. Until now, the tone had been comedic – a Ferrell movie is a Ferrell movie, after all – but the movie flips at this moment, because even he can’t laugh through the torment his fame is bringing his friend. We see him break down in the next scene, shedding tears of guilt for bringing this attention to Harper, while she maintains the steely poise of someone now used to this.
It's important to state that this isn’t a film depicting rampant transphobia, but there is an undertone of discrimination laced throughout its screentime. Watching Harper misgendered over and over, seeing onlookers’ reactions to Ferrell’s companion and hearing tales of dark moments from the past, this might be a celebration of the duo’s beautiful friendship on one hand, but on the other, it’s an unflinching snapshot of Trump’s Middle America.
With contributions from many of SNL’s alumni, the comedy pedigree of its subjects of courses through its content. Both Harper and Will are both very funny people, so watching their banter is delightfully entertaining. But what’s far more arresting is the depth of love between them, evident through the deep care they show for one another’s wellbeing. And while there is much discussion about how Harper has had to learn how to live as a trans person, we get to watch first hand as Will learns to be a good ally. It's this emotional journey that – like all good road-trip films – is the real heart of the film. And you can’t help but realise how important this movie will be, released at a time of so much international uncertainty, when trans rights are being eroded worldwide.
UK Release: Out now to stream on Netflix
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