There is something magical about stories that find the perfect balance between warmth, heartache, and catharsis. Over the years, many films and series have delivered deeply moving narratives on screen, but it is rare for a documentary to evoke such profound emotions. Enter Will Ferrell, the comedy king, who has delivered one of Netflix’s most heartfelt watches. But he was not alone in that magical experience.

Teaming up with his longtime friend, Ferrell gave us a road trip for the ages last year through a critically hit Netflix documentary. 

The film in question is Will & Harper, directed by Josh Greenbaum. It has been a year since its premiere, and the documentary is still stacking up glowing reviews like awards on a trophy shelf. Starring Will Ferrell and Harper Steele, the documentary also won a spot in the National Board of Review’s top five films of 2024. It follows the duo on a 17-day road trip across the US, navigating highways, heartfelt conversations, and the life-changing revelation of Steele coming out as a trans woman.

This documentary offered a tender and eye-opening glimpse into the struggles of transitioning, told through the softer lens of friendship. From the joy and disappointment of first-time experiences as your true self to the fear of judgment that sometimes turns into unexpected kindness, the film left viewers feeling both validated and seen. Of course, filming such an emotional journey was not without its challenges.

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In fact, some moments were so intense that they did not make it into the final cut, as revealed by the lead stars. 

In an interview with The New York Times last year, Will Ferrell and Harper Steele shared an “intense” moment of transphobic microaggression in Amarillo, Texas, that was not comfortable enough to even make the final cut. “We gave a little toast, and I said something about passing a trans bill,” Steele recounted. Suddenly, the room’s energy flipped, with a smattering of boos and one woman shouting, "We still love you".

Steele explained her disdain for the phrase, particularly the word “still,” which made the sentiment feel "conditional". “They still love me even though I’m some kind of sinner or something,” she said. Ferrell, who went from knowing nothing about the trans community to being a vocal advocate for their rights, admitted feeling “remorse” and “guilt” for the situation. Though that scene did not make it into the film, Will & Harper dives into those very themes—awkwardness, growth, and the beautiful mess of human connection. 

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What do you think about Will & Harper? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!