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30 Facts About Will & Harper

Alexandra Baltazar

Written by Alexandra Baltazar

Published: 25 Sep 2024

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Source: Them.us

"Will & Harper" is a heartwarming documentary that captures the essence of friendship and identity. Directed by Josh Greenbaum, it follows the 17-day road trip of Will Ferrell and Harper Steele across the United States. Harper, who transitioned to a trans woman at 61, and Will, her long-time friend, navigate this journey filled with humor, personal growth, and societal challenges. Premiering at the 40th Sundance Film Festival, the film has received critical acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of trans identity and the evolving bond between the two friends. With celebrity cameos and comedic moments, it’s a must-watch for anyone interested in understanding and empathy.

Key Takeaways:

  • "Will & Harper" is a heartwarming documentary about friendship and growth, following Will Ferrell and Harper Steele on a road trip. It's funny, moving, and teaches us about empathy and understanding.
  • The film captures the emotional journey of Will Ferrell and Harper Steele, showcasing their personal growth and the societal impact of their friendship. It's a touching story that can change hearts and minds.
Table of Contents
01The Heartwarming Journey of "Will & Harper"
02The Making of "Will & Harper"
03The Stars and Their Journey
04Moments of Support and Humor
05Personal Growth and Historical Context
06Critical Reception and Cultural Impact
07Educational and Societal Themes
08Memorable Moments and Emotional Depth
09The Heart of "Will & Harper"

The Heartwarming Journey of "Will & Harper"

"Will & Harper" is a documentary that captures the essence of friendship, identity, and transition. It follows the journey of Will Ferrell and Harper Steele on a 17-day road trip across the United States. Here are 30 fascinating facts about this touching film.

The Making of "Will & Harper"

The creation of this documentary involved a talented team and a unique vision.

  1. Title and Premise: The film explores the deep friendship between Will Ferrell and Harper Steele, focusing on their road trip and the themes of identity and transition.

  2. Director and Production: Directed by Josh Greenbaum, the film is produced by Gloria Sanchez Productions, Wayfarer Studios, and Delirio Films.

  3. Release Dates: Premiered at the 40th Sundance Film Festival in January 2024, with a limited theatrical release on September 13, 2024, and streaming on Netflix from September 27, 2024.

  4. Cinematography and Editing: Zoë White handled the cinematography, while Monique Zavistovski took care of the editing.

  5. Music Composition: Nathan Halpern composed the film's music, adding an emotional layer to the narrative.

The Stars and Their Journey

The documentary centers around the lives and experiences of its main subjects, Will Ferrell and Harper Steele.

  1. Starring and Supporting Cast: Features Will Ferrell and Harper Steele, with cameos from Kristen Wiig, Tim Meadows, Will Forte, and Molly Shannon.

  2. Background of Harper Steele: Harper Steele transitioned to a trans woman at 61, having been a long-time collaborator with Ferrell.

  3. The Road Trip: Chronicles their 17-day journey from New York to Los Angeles, focusing on personal growth and mutual understanding.

Moments of Support and Humor

The film balances poignant moments with humor, showcasing the duo's dynamic.

  1. Initial Reaction to Transition: Ferrell was one of the first to support Steele, reading her heartfelt email in the documentary.

  2. Comedic Elements: Ferrell's antics, like dressing as Sherlock Holmes, add humor to the film.

  3. Reactions to Harper's Transition: Captures a range of societal responses, from acceptance to hostility.

  4. Support and Safety: Ferrell's presence often provides a sense of safety for Steele, though it raises questions about the limits of celebrity protection.

Personal Growth and Historical Context

The journey is not just physical but also emotional and historical.

  1. Personal Growth: Both Ferrell and Steele undergo significant personal growth during the trip.

  2. Historical Context: The film provides historical context to Steele's transition, highlighting past challenges.

  3. Celebrity Appearances: Cameos from Tina Fey, Seth Meyers, and Molly Shannon add humor and depth.

  4. Musical Elements: Features a theme song written by Kristen Wiig, adding a lighthearted touch.

Critical Reception and Cultural Impact

The documentary has received widespread acclaim and has significant cultural implications.

  1. Critical Reception: Holds a 100% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

  2. Roger Ebert's Review: Praised the film for its portrayal of true companionship.

  3. Rolling Stone's Review: Called it a funny, moving tribute to friendship.

  4. United Press International's Review: Described it as a touching journey that can start important conversations.

  5. Variety's Review: Highlighted its importance in promoting empathy and understanding.

  6. Vulture's Review: Noted its potential to change hearts and minds.

Educational and Societal Themes

The film serves as an educational tool and explores various societal themes.

  1. Educational Value: Praised for its potential to educate about trans identity.

  2. Themes of Identity and Transition: Explores these themes through Steele's journey.

  3. Historical Portrayal: Includes elements of Steele's past experiences as a male writer.

  4. Celebrity Impact: Ferrell's celebrity status plays a significant role in the documentary.

Memorable Moments and Emotional Depth

The road trip is filled with memorable moments and emotional depth.

  1. Road Trip Highlights: Includes visits to places like an Oklahoma dive bar with kind patrons.

  2. Emotional Depth: Captures poignant moments where Steele opens up about her past.

  3. Societal Reactions: Highlights various societal reactions to Steele's transition.

  4. Personal Reflections: Both Ferrell and Steele share personal reflections on their journey, providing insight into their growth and friendship.

The Heart of "Will & Harper"

"Will & Harper" isn't just a documentary; it's a touching tale of friendship and transformation. Will Ferrell and Harper Steele's 17-day road trip across the U.S. offers a unique look at identity, transition, and the power of support. Directed by Josh Greenbaum, the film blends humor with heartfelt moments, making it both entertaining and educational. Harper's journey as a trans woman at 61, coupled with Ferrell's unwavering support, highlights the importance of empathy and understanding. Celebrity cameos and comedic elements add charm, while the film's critical acclaim underscores its impact. Available on Netflix from September 27, 2024, "Will & Harper" is a must-watch for anyone interested in the complexities of friendship and the trans experience. It’s a reminder that true friendship can weather any storm, and understanding can bridge even the widest gaps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What inspired the creation of Will & Harper?
Well, inspiration struck from a mix of historical figures, fictional characters, and real-life events. Creators wanted to blend these elements to craft a story that's both engaging and educational.
How can I learn more about the backgrounds of Will & Harper?
Dive into the supplementary materials provided on the blog. There, you'll find detailed profiles, behind-the-scenes insights, and even some exclusive content that sheds light on their intriguing pasts.
Are there any hidden easter eggs in the facts about Will & Harper?
Absolutely! Keep your eyes peeled for subtle nods to classic literature, historical events, and pop culture references. Some are pretty obvious, while others might require a bit of sleuthing to uncover.
Can readers contribute their own facts or stories about Will & Harper?
Sure thing! We love hearing from our readers and encourage you to share your own interpretations, stories, or even fan art. Who knows, your contribution might just spark a new storyline or fact.
What's the best way to keep up with new facts or updates about Will & Harper?
Staying tuned to our blog is your best bet. We regularly post updates, new facts, and occasionally, sneak peeks of what's to come. Following us on social media also keeps you in the loop.
How do Will & Harper interact with their world, and can we expect any crossover events?
They're deeply intertwined with their surroundings, often influencing and being influenced by the world around them. As for crossovers, let's just say we've got a few surprises up our sleeves that fans of Will & Harper won't want to miss.
Is there a community for fans of Will & Harper to discuss and speculate?
Yep, there's a vibrant community out there! Forums, social media groups, and fan sites are buzzing with discussions, theories, and fan creations. It's a great place to connect with fellow enthusiasts and dive deeper into the lore of Will & Harper.

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