The film “Will & Harper,” which has been nominated for the Best Documentary Feature Oscar, explores deeply personal themes of acceptance and self-discovery. Director Josh Greenbaum expressed the mix of uncertainty and excitement that comes with releasing a project worked on intensely for years.
At the heart of the film is Harper Steele, a 61-year-old woman who embarks on a cross-country road trip from New York to Los Angeles. This journey is made alongside her long-time friend, the comedic actor Will Ferrell, offering a unique look at his vulnerable side away from the humorous personas that audiences typically associate with him.
The real-life friendship between Harper and Will began over 30 years ago during their time on “Saturday Night Live.” This shared history adds depth to their adventure, showcasing moments of levity and connection as they travel in a vintage Jeep Grand Wagoneer. The film captures relatable experiences, such as shopping at Walmart and interacting with locals, while also addressing more intense moments that challenge their sense of security and identity.
As the story unfolds, Harper confronts her fears and vulnerabilities, including her feelings about her family and community. Key scenes highlight not only the joys of their journey but also the darker moments, such as a hostile encounter in Amarillo, Texas, that tests both Harper’s physical safety and emotional well-being. Throughout these challenges, Will serves as both a source of humor and support, emphasizing the importance of friendship and acceptance in navigating life’s difficulties.Will Ferrell and Harper Steele’s unique bond, based on their shared love for comedy, is the central theme of the new documentary “Will & Harper.” Directed by Josh Greenbaum, the film offers an intimate look into their friendship developed over the last 30 years. Greenbaum, who has extensive experience in documentary filmmaking, found this project particularly special due to his prior acquaintance with both subjects.
The director expressed a common concern among filmmakers regarding the first viewing of their work with the subjects involved. After 17 days of filming, Greenbaum had to face the uncertainty of how Ferrell and Steele would react to the final product. Fortunately, they were cooperative, providing minimal feedback and making for a smooth collaboration.
The documentary premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, where it received an enthusiastic standing ovation, leading to its acquisition by Netflix shortly afterward. This partnership is significant, as it allows the film to reach Netflix’s vast audience of around 282 million subscribers. Greenbaum emphasized the importance of this reach for all involved, stating that showcasing their unique story to as many people as possible was a priority.
The marketing strategy for “Will & Harper” was notably effective, with Greenbaum praising Netflix’s promotional materials and alignment with the film’s tone. Overall, the project represents not just a celebration of friendship but also the effective collaboration between seasoned filmmakers and a global streaming platform.Will Ferrell and Kristen Wiig recently attended the Santa Barbara International Film Festival’s Kirk Douglas Awards for Excellence, where they garnered attention for their documentary project “Will & Harper.” Wiig contributed to the film by writing and performing an acoustic song titled “Harper and Will Go West,” which has been shortlisted for an Oscar for Best Original Song. Director Josh Greenbaum expressed that the song embodies Wiig’s essence and reflects the film’s overall warmth and humor.
The documentary’s early recognition appears contrary to the trend of underrepresentation of showbiz documentaries at award ceremonies. Out of 169 eligible projects in the documentary feature category, only 15 made the shortlist, including “Will & Harper.” Noteworthy films with celebrity subjects, such as those about Celine Dion and Elton John, did not receive similar recognition.
Political themes also seem to impact the documentary’s reception. With LGBTQ issues gaining prominence during the 2024 presidential election, the film’s messages of tolerance and inclusion may resonate strongly with members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. This could signal a pushback against increasing anti-trans rhetoric.
Despite not being engaged with social media personally, Will and Harper remain aware of public sentiment regarding their story, thanks in part to Greenbaum’s willingness to share positive feedback with them. Stories of how the documentary has facilitated conversations about gender transition underscore its potential impact on viewers and the broader dialogue on acceptance. Greenbaum emphasizes that the film aims to foster understanding and open dialogue, thereby contributing to a more empathetic world.