Directed by Josh Greenbaum, Will and Harper is a compelling documentary film that premiered on September 27, 2024. The docu-film chronicles the 17-day road trip across the United States undertaken by Hollywood actor Will Ferrell and his close friend, SNL head writer Harper Steele.
This heartfelt journey navigates significant themes such as acceptance, coming out, fresh starts, and the enduring power of friendship.
The realism presented in Will and Harper surpasses just visual elements; the meticulously curated soundtrack plays an essential role, seamlessly interwoven with each scene of the film. The carefully selected songs not only enhance the visual storytelling but also evoke deep emotions, enriching the entire viewing experience.
Complete Soundtrack of Will and Harper
- I Wonder, I Wonder, I Wonder by Eddy Howard
- Freightliner Fever by Red Sovine
- Amoreena by Elton John
- Oogum Boogum Song by Brenton Wood
- Long Road Ahead by Jim Ford
- Wires by Coconut Records
- I Got You Baby by Sonny & Cher
- Wildflowers by Tom Petty
- Going Up the Country by Canned Heat
- Shelter From the Storm by Bob Dylan
- Long Gone Lonesome Blues by Hank Williams
- America by First Aid Kit
- Fade Into You by Mazzy Star
- Diesel Smoke, Dangerous Curves by Red Simpson
- Beep Beep (The Roadrunner) by Don Ables
- Ooh Las Vegas (feat. Emmylou Harris) by Gram Parsons
- The Swag by Link Wray & The Wraymen
- The Weight by The Band
- Luck Be a Lady by Frank Sinatra
- Holocene by Bon Iver
- Harper and Will Go West by Kristen Wiig
- Go With Me by Gene and Debbe
Plot Summary and Where to Watch
The official logline for Will and Harper states:
Three years ago, Will Ferrell was filming a movie when he received a surprising email: his dear friend of almost 30 years was coming out to him as a trans woman, that friend being Harper Steele, a writer he met on his first day at Saturday Night Live back in 1995.
It further elaborates:
From that fateful first encounter in the halls of 30 Rock, Will recognized he had discovered a perfect match in comedy, and their friendship, along with their creative partnership, would thrive over the next three decades.
As Will and Harper embark on their road trip:
In this honest, touching documentary, Will and Harper journey together to navigate this new phase of their friendship and reintroduce Harper to the country she cherishes—this time as her true self.
It concludes with:
Over 16 days, the duo travels from New York to Los Angeles, visiting places that hold significance for them, their friendship, and the American landscape. Amidst laughter, tears, and countless cans of Pringles, they challenge their comfort zones and reassess their relationships with these spaces—and with each other—in a new light.
Where to Watch Will and Harper?
Will and Harper is available for streaming exclusively on Netflix, as part of the platform’s Originals lineup. The streaming giant acquired the distribution rights for this film in February 2024, just a month after its debut at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The documentary was also showcased at the Toronto International Film Festival.
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