Will & Harper (2024)

The review finds the documentary affectionate, illuminating, and timely. It especially praises Ferrell’s tender, generous support for Steele and the film’s heartfelt answer to whether she will still be loved.

Parsons finds the documentary moving, funny and full of love, and hopes it can positively affect how people think about trans lives. She singles out the ordinary encounters with strangers for showing both the risks Steele faces and moments of unexpected kindness.

The headline calls the documentary Will Ferrell’s best film in years. It signals that the critic values its important subject, but the accessible page does not reveal what else they praise.

Debruge finds the film warm and worthwhile, calling it an important example of trans allyship. He praises Steele’s openness and Ferrell’s supportive friendship, while noting the trip’s highly managed, relentlessly positive presentation.

The critic finds the documentary likeable, authentic, and gently moving, despite occasional doubts about orchestration and product placement. They single out its compassionate, open dialogue between friends as its greatest strength.

Gyarkye finds the documentary endearing and moving, though its portrayal of the dangers facing trans people feels limited by the subjects’ celebrity. She especially praises the honest, evolving friendship between Ferrell and Steele.

Ebiri finds the documentary warm, funny, and moving, though conventional in its structure. He especially praises the open, gentle conversations between Ferrell and Steele.

Wissot finds the documentary amiable and well-intentioned but trapped in a timid, mushy middle. She praises the Albuquerque hot-air-balloon scene while criticizing the Texas barbecue sequence for putting Harper through a needless ordeal.

The critic finds it an effective, crowd-pleasing film, though some polished moments feel overly engineered. Harper Steele’s candid account of coming to terms with her identity is singled out for its power and emotional depth.

The accessible page does not reveal the critic’s verdict. Its standfirst describes a cross-country road trip following Harper’s transition.

Barquín finds the documentary charming but impersonal, with its polished encounters making the journey feel too carefully managed. He praises the warmth and playful bond between Harper and Ferrell, especially in their personal conversations.

Kermode calls the documentary a powerful, valuable work and a joy to watch. She praises its warm portrayal of friendship and its balance of political hostility with the country’s potential for openness.

Windust finds the film a necessary, heartwarming demonstration of how comedy can make allyship more human and approachable. They especially praise Ferrell and Steele’s candid, humorous conversations and the empathy in their friendship.

The critic calls the documentary a charming, important film about friendship and allyship. She praises Harper Steele’s humor and the pair’s banter, while noting that staged-feeling celebrity appearances undercut its documentary authenticity.

The review URL characterizes the film as a poignant story of friendship and acceptance. It singles out the bond at the heart of the road trip for praise.