Netflix’s “Will & Harper” documentary came out on the 27th of September. It is about Will Farrell and his long-time friend Harper, who came out to him as a transgender woman. As a result, they decided to take a road trip across the United States to navigate their new friendship. The documentary displays different stops they take on the road and how those experiences help Harper grow into her new self and help Will understand Harper after transitioning.
The stops the two make on their trip are primarily in the Southern part of the country. Because of this, Harper is scared that the people they face will be hateful towards her. However, in places like a bar and a car racing track, she has good experiences with the people she was afraid of. Because she had good experiences with people she expected to be apprehensive about her, Harper describes to Will how she felt like she hated herself instead of being scared of others hating her. I really enjoy this aspect of the documentary because it displays the emotions that transgender people can feel about themselves and others. It gives a new perspective on the struggles of transgender people.
I also enjoy the coming-of-age style that the film is shot in. Will and Harper drive an older car and the soundtrack is songs from the 1970s and 1980s. This gives a unique twist to the documentary.
The visuals are interesting and inspiring and it has a good pace and a clear direction. It is shot in the way that movies from the 80s and 90s are filmed. It feels more like a road trip movie than a documentary. Although it is centered around a road trip, it does not become boring and no parts feel redundant.
An issue I do have with it is that it seems too staged for a documentary. The important parts do not seem genuine. At one point, Will and Harper go to Harper’s old house. She reflects on her life and how she has grown since living there. When watching this part, I felt like it was scripted and too pushed. However, that does not take away from the film. The tone is mainly feel-good and many light-hearted moments are fun to watch.
This documentary is good for people who are looking for something new and unique to watch. It is also good for people who want to learn more about the experience of transgender people, specifically, older transgender people. It gives a compelling insight into the struggles of self-acceptance and acceptance from others that transgender people may face. Overall, this film is very inspiring and I highly recommend it.