September 28th 2024.
The film is an incredible journey of friendship, filled with laughter, emotion, and depth. As someone who has never been a fan of Will Ferrell, I was initially hesitant to watch it. His Icelandic accent in Netflix's Eurovision film had left me cringing and feeling like my culture was being mocked. However, after watching his new documentary, Will & Harper, my perspective on him has completely changed.
The documentary follows Will and his dear friend, Harper, on a road trip after she came out as trans. From the trailer, I expected it to be a heartwarming celebration of their friendship. But as I watched it, I realized it was so much more. It was a beautiful, funny, and nuanced conversation between two friends, with a powerful story of personal growth and acceptance.
What struck me the most was seeing a typical straight cisgender man like Will, being so understanding and supportive of the trans community. In a time where my community is constantly demonized and debated, it was refreshing and impactful to see this level of acceptance. By allowing us to join them on their journey, Will and Harper have done the world a great service by providing valuable insight into the reality of coming out as trans.
For me, coming out was a decision I had been contemplating for years. And when I finally did, my family also had to go on their own journey. It was a surprise to them, and they needed time to process it. Thankfully, they were supportive and eventually came to accept me for who I am. But I understand the fear that many trans people, including Harper, have of losing the love and support of their family and friends.
I was moved to see Harper's family rallying around her, but it was also evident that they, too, had to go through a similar process of acceptance. Not everyone knows how to react to a loved one coming out as trans, and that's okay. What matters is having good intentions, and Will and Harper's story perfectly captures that.
One of the most powerful scenes in the film is when Harper's sister and Will discuss that there are no rules or right or wrong ways to react to someone coming out as trans. It's a reminder that we should all strive to do our best in supporting our loved ones, regardless of our initial reactions.
Throughout the film, Will proves to be a staunch supporter of Harper. In interviews, he has expressed his belief that if the trans community is a threat to someone, it's because they are not confident or safe with themselves. And he's absolutely right. In my experience, those who spread hate and division towards the trans community often have unresolved issues within themselves.
The film also sheds light on the everyday reality of trans people, particularly on social media. The abuse and hate that Harper receives are sadly all too familiar for many of us. Will and Harper's story serves as a reminder that showing basic respect towards trans people is not difficult, and having a trans person in your life can change your perspective for the better.
One of the standout moments in the film is when Will realizes he had taken a photo with the governor of Indiana, who had signed an anti-trans bill. His regret at not addressing this shows his growth as an ally and his understanding of the importance of standing up for trans rights.
The film also highlights the risks that come with coming out as trans in society. Harper's fear of visiting places she used to go to is justified, as trans people are often victims of violence and hate crimes. The moment when Harper shares her fear and shame about who she is with Will in the car is a powerful and emotional moment that showcases Will's deeper understanding of her experience.
After watching this film, I realized that all the fear and bigotry surrounding the trans community is just white noise. When we look back at this time in the future, we will be horrified by the hate and discrimination that trans people faced. People like Harper, who bravely share their stories, will be remembered for their courage, and hopefully, more people will follow in Will's footsteps and support their trans friends and family.
In the end, it's not just about doing the right thing; it's about being a decent human being. And I believe that with more films like Will & Harper and more people like Will, we can create a world where acceptance, understanding, and love are the norm.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]