A combination of comedy and sincere emotion, this not-so ordinary documentary describes Will Farrell and Harper Steele’s friendship after Harper’s transition into a woman. Will and Harper emphasizes Harper’s story before and after transition, as well as the experience of her going back to the places she was once accepted in as a man, and seeing if they accept her as a woman.
Instead of a normal documentary with an interviewer and a subject, the approach in this movie is conversation based. Will Ferrell, as the interviewer, asked Harper all of the questions about her life before her transition, and after her transition. Some questions were lighthearted, mentioning the stereotype of women being bad drivers by stating “Have you become worse of a driver now that you’re a woman?”. However, there were also deeper conversations highlighting the depression and suicidal thoughts Harper had before her transition.Will Farrell asks Harper all the questions that a non-trans person would wonder, giving insight to people curious about it as well as people who want to compare their own experiences.
This documentary is a glance into the struggles and experiences as a transgender person in today’s world. As they continue to explore bars and truck stops around the country, Harper has a concern about an outsiders view of her makes her perceive her own identity stating, “I’m not afraid of these people, I’m afraid of hating myself”
There is a defining moment in the documentary where the two companions go to a steakhouse. Will Farrell is dressed as none other than Sherlock Holmes and tries to finish a steak in the given amount of time the restaurant offers. Unfortunately, Harper is met with hostility, ruining the experience for her. On the Spotify podcast from The New York Times Harper mentions that at the steakhouse she gives a toast admitting that she is a trans woman and an audience member screams, “We still love you!” To an observer that may seem sweet and loving, to Harper that felt like a stab to the heart. The word “still” made her feel like a sinner that was being forgiven, when all she wanted was to be treated as her normal self.
This out of the ordinary documentary is definitely a must watch. The comedic yet emotional tone throughout the movie draws you deeper into the story and its impact on the world. It gives a voice to the transgender community and the importance of social awareness and acceptance to all members of LGBTQ+.
