Netflix has released the trailer for the highly-anticipated documentary Will & Harper, a heartfelt exploration of friendship, gender identity, and acceptance. The documentary, which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, follows comedian Will Ferrell and his long-time friend Harper Steele as they embark on a transformative road trip across the United States. 

Directed by Josh Greenbaum (Strays, Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar), Will & Harper chronicles a 16-day road trip from New York to Los Angeles, where Ferrell and Steele revisit places significant to their friendship and explore a new chapter in Steele’s life. The documentary is both a comedic and heartfelt look at the power of friendship and self-discovery, as it centres on Harper’s journey of coming out as a trans woman after nearly 30 years of friendship with Ferrell. 

Ferrell and Steele met in 1995 during their time at Saturday Night Live, where they formed a close friendship and creative partnership. The documentary, however, begins in 2021 when Ferrell receives an unexpected email from Steele, in which she came out to him as transgender.

The revelation sparked this cross-country trip, which Ferrell planned to help Steele face her fears of travelling as her authentic self. Throughout the journey, Steele shares her personal struggles with gender identity, and her decision to come out in her late 50s, while the two process this new stage in their friendship.

Critics have praised Will & Harper for its raw honesty and meaningful conversations about the challenges trans people face. Film critic Peter Debruge lauded Greenbaum’s approach, which balances intimate storytelling with a lively, multi-camera style. With its focus on allyship and acceptance, the documentary is already generating Oscar buzz. 

The film will debut in select theatres on September 13 before streaming on Netflix starting September 27. Curious? Make sure to check out the trailer down below: