Directed by Josh Greenbaum, Will & Harper follows Will Ferrell and his close friend, former head writer at Saturday Night Live, Harper Steele as they embark on a cross-country road trip together. In its overall essence, this is a perfect documentary for ‘now,’ focusing on the admirable motives within humanity – when kindness and compassion are the best traits.

There’s a clever opening gambit to the film, focusing on Ferrell sat in a chair, looking towards the camera, interview ready. He knows the method for this arrangement, he comments on the situation and the establishing shot, which is how many documentaries begin, and he remarks on that fact. Explaining aloud how the interviewer may pretend it isn’t being filmed, and it is purely B-Roll, but instead they’re trying to get some tasty morsel of insight before the wider story begins, and he’s right. It works. It sets up the vibe for what’s to come: A journey through being open, honest, direct and, of course, full of good humour.

Forming the origins of the story, we discuss a flashback from three years ago and learn that Ferrell was making a film (Spirited), when he received an email from his dear friend of nearly 30 years and, in this message, his friend was coming out to him as a trans woman. That friend was Harper, a writer he met on his first day at Saturday Night Live back in 1995, and we also discover that both their friendship and creative partnership would grow over the next 30 years.

In Greenbaum’s film, this email-letter reading moment cuts between Will and Harper reading out sections, signalling they’re both in the same moment. From here, we take our first journey into Harper’s world to this day, gathering further life background, and why she wanted to transition and why now. The deeper truth is simple but had been buried. It’s been waiting within during her entire life. She talks of the fear of coming out now, at this older age, and not just a concern of what individuals outside of her personal life bubble might think, but the physical anxiety that the people in her life may not love, or care, for her anymore – a genuine dread we’ve all heard about or experienced, if in a similar situation.  

Would Will support Harper? Of course he would, like Harper’s sister discusses later on in the film, it’s a trouble-free ‘I love you,’ without other intention, as it should be. So, after the reveal, and three years later, Will has an idea based around Harper’s love for country-wide road trips. And this expedition will not only take them both on a literal journey, it’s also a chance to renew their friendship, for Will to ask questions as freely as any friend should, for the curiosity of understanding, of intrigue and also… just because every respectable relationship should be open, without fear of misunderstanding – and see it as an opportunity to build and also realise why they were friends all along. It’s a beautiful idea.

After a montage of them packing their belongings to head out, Will heads to NYC to meet up with Harper and their travelling commences, right across the States over 16 days – visiting places that mean a lot to Harper, as well as other less comfortable experiences in places like Texas – where Will makes a huge, regretful mistake, but they work through it. But initially events kick off as we watch them sat on camping chairs in a Walmart Car Park, having a shitty beer (this context you’ll learn) which establishes what’s to come, it’s Will discussing his nervousness about what to ask – or how to ask – about being Trans, alongside Harper saying you can ask anything you need to.

Over the entire journey, through basketball games, dive bars, karaoke nights and beyond, we see first-hand what it means to be kind and considerate, what it means to listen and learn, plus the truth that Harper has spent much of their life not quite feeling they were who they meant to be, even with a hugely successful professional career alongside. Inspired by a trans woman they meet on the way, they talk about the deep sadness wanting to either be ‘fixed’ or to give up on life completely, as well as Harper discussing the way she wants to look; does she want to do this for herself, or is she still trying to conform to societal norms, even during transition?

An interesting stand-out scenario happens in a roadside bar. Harper heads in early by herself, as this is something she’s always loved to do. It’s not for the hell of it. The cameras follow from afar, the locals stare, and sure – this could be framed in a certain way but after Will Ferrell joins Harper in the bar, people are less wary of Harper – because obviously it’s Ferrell, but also because a lot of mainstream television will make you believe that trans people are dangerous, or a problem, or not like you but – the truth? We’re exactly the same. We’re all trying to find our way through the world day-to-day, in whatever way we can, it’s that simple.

What’s important about documentaries like Will & Harper is that they talk to regular people, right across the States. This isn’t some promotional tour, this is a road trip. It’s also vital that places like the aforementioned Bar realise Harper is non-threatening (because some media outlets will make you think the opposite), so by meeting, chatting, having a beer with and so forth – it normalises, and they’ll get an insight that the news won’t ever give you – one of ordinary human interaction without the need for fearmongering.

Texas appears to let everyone else down a little, but that’s an extremely specific moment, and overall, the documentary feasts on positive intentions with touching moments between our lead pair. The film also has a first-class soundtrack, with tunes hitting right – including Bon Iver’s Holocene, kicking in at an emotive time. Also, stay with the credits to enjoy Kristen Wiig’s dedicated ‘Theme Song,’ which is part fun, sad, up tempo, jazzy…. With a little country. (You’ll discover!)

Will & Harper is an absolute treasure, not only a testament to true friendship, but a celebration of progressive change and pure hope, for anyone who needs it – and it really could save someone. Which is one of the most important things of all.

Will & Harper comes to Netflix from 27 September