New Netflix movie Will & Harper shows the power of allyship through comedy

As a long-time fan of Will Ferrell and his hilarious antics, I was eagerly anticipating his new Netflix movie “Will & Harper.” However, this film surpassed my expectations by not only delivering laughs but also showcasing a deeply personal side to the comedy icon.


For quite some time, Will Ferrell has earned acclaim for his quick-witted improvisations and distinctive humor personas. However, in his latest Netflix film “Will & Harper“, we delve into a more intimate aspect of this comedy legend.

Through his actions, Ferrell effectively demonstrates that allyship doesn’t need to be boring or intimidating; instead, it can be filled with errors, humor, and laughter – making it all the more relatable and appealing. The more authentic and human, the better.

After dating former Saturday Night Live writer Harper Steele, the duo reminisce about their early days on SNL in the mid-1990s during a cross-country road trip across America. Since then, Steele has publicly identified as a trans woman, sending Ferrell an email revealing that she had always been and will forever be Harper.

From the outset, the intention of the movie is evident: Steele gives Ferrell a ride on a snow-covered highway to journey across the United States and visit Steele’s family, watch basketball games, consume Pringles, and embark on a familiar road trip as an experienced traveler. However, this time around, she is making the trip while being true to her authentic self.

New Netflix movie Will & Harper shows the power of allyship through comedy

The movie primarily focuses on allyship, yet it occasionally presents awkward scenes, which are skillfully softened by Eddie Ferrell’s comedic delivery. This results in a portrayal of relationships that feels strikingly authentic and genuine, unlike anything we’ve experienced in recent memory.

Regardless of your background, talking about sensitive topics with the people closest to you might feel awkward or uneasy. For many men, reaching their emotional center can be particularly challenging.

It makes sense that these discussions between Ferrell and Steele occur while they are driving; since they’re both focused ahead, there’s nowhere to run, and they must face each other directly as they tackle the sometimes unaddressed topics related to being a transgender woman.

In many parts of the United States, discussions about anti-transgender bills or negative news involving the LGBTQ+ community are commonplace, even including recent statements by Donald Trump regarding ‘illegal transgender aliens’. Given this context, the film doesn’t avoid portraying the authentic experiences of trans individuals as they navigate diverse socio-political landscapes at each stage.

From Steele being misgendered in a diner to Ferrell having his photo taken with the governor of Indiana, Eric Holcomb, who he later discovers is in fact one of the very people supporting the anti-trans bills in the headlines, it’s full of the very human moments that come with putting ourselves in somebody else’s shoes. Sometimes we fumble or fall over, but we always put them back on and keep walking.

New Netflix movie Will & Harper shows the power of allyship through comedy

Despite the tense moments Steele describes when revisiting her beloved male-dominated environments, there’s an undeniable sense of comfort in the movie. Having Ferrell as a supportive figure, both as a friend and a source of humor, demonstrates that being an ally to trans individuals doesn’t need to be a treacherous path filled with pitfalls – instead, it can be about growth, sincerity, and genuine empathy.

Watching Ferrell support Steele at her NBA comeback, hang out with her in a gritty bar or roadside diner was touching to observe, as it showed the transformation of a daunting experience into something more manageable due to Ferrell’s empathy towards Steele’s emotions.

In everyday life, many of us know friends, relatives, or even acquaintances who have diverse and intricate personal histories that we can assist in navigating. This support stems from feelings of affection and admiration. Notably, the duo Harper & Steele demonstrates that allyship isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.

A clear instance of their discussion on surgeries, where Steele shared his experiences, and Ferrell tactfully addressed the delicate topic, mentioning the unspoken rules, all while casually cracking a joke about Steele’s recent “changes”. Some may find it awkward, but for them, it adds humor to the situation.

New Netflix movie Will & Harper shows the power of allyship through comedy

The example demonstrates the significance of subtleties and the strong connection between individuals. This bond is crucial when approaching trans friends with affection, understanding, and most significantly, humor. It underscores the essential humanity within trans people by emphasizing that they are not merely an issue to be educated about. Instead, as shown by Steele’s self-deprecating humor, they have the ability to laugh at themselves and involve others in their jokes, thus illustrating the richness of their community beyond a simple educational topic.

Discovering not only the origin of their friendship, which sparked on the set of SNL, with Steele serving as a writer and Ferrell being a new cast member, also reveals how comedy has significantly influenced their bond, demonstrating its potency in helping us tackle uncomfortable situations.

Featuring appearances by Kristen Wiig, Tina Fey, Will Forte, and Molly Shannon among others, Will & Harper serves as a nostalgic trip for fans of the distinctive American television show, Saturday Night Live.

As a gamer, I can’t help but be captivated by the heartwarming blend of humor, camaraderie, and empathy that Will & Harper delivers. Unlike those tedious diversity and inclusion sessions on Zoom, it doesn’t just teach, it lives and breathes understanding, making it far more effective in raising awareness.

Through Ferrell’s impact, there’s a chance this message of acceptance and love towards transgender individuals could resonate with audiences who may have never considered or understood it before. This demonstrates the power of humor in fostering fresh discussions and perspectives, even among long-standing acquaintances.

Will & Harper is available to watch now on Netflix.

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2024-09-27 11:19

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