In the golden hues of the sumptuous SW Steakhouse nestled in the heart of Wynn Las Vegas, a poignant narrative unfolds. It centers around the amiable former “Saturday Night Live” luminary, Will Ferrell, and his cherished companion, Harper Steele. Their journey is one of discovery, camaraderie, and transformation; a trek that has led them to this particular haven as part of an unforgettable road trip across America’s vast expanses, now immortalized in Netflix’s latest documentary offering.
The bonds of their friendship were forged in the crucible of comedy back in the halcyon days of 1995 when both Steele, then known as Andrew, and Ferrell were inducted into the “Saturday Night Live” family—the former as the prescient head writer whose pen etched laughter into the nation’s conscious.
The crux of their voyage, however, lies in Steele’s courageous revelation. Prior to the documentary’s genesis, Steele, embracing her true identity, confided in Ferrell, emerging into the light as transgender. With this newfound openness between them, the duo embarked on a heartfelt sojourn across the United States—a testament to their evolving friendship and an examination of the fabric of acceptance that cloaks the diverse tapestry of the American populace.
Yet amid the laughter and the landscapes, there unfolds a tender moment of unadorned humanity in the bastion of SW Steakhouse. Underneath the buzz and the clinking of fine dinnerware, Ferrell, a master of disguise if ever there was one, sports an outlandish ensemble procured from the trove of a Las Vegas Goodwill. A light-hearted gesture intended to divert the spotlight’s glare from Steele, the ruse serves a dual purpose: to forestall any semblance of celebrity privilege and guard Steele’s nascent comfort in her emerging identity.
“This whole trip, obviously you’re taking the heat off me, and that’s just not the life of a real trans person,” Steele muses to Ferrell beneath the forgiving ambiance of the steakhouse, her words ringing with a blend of gratitude and realism, “But when I was in the Goodwill today, I just felt way more comfortable, and that’s a bit of a result of this trip.”
Their server — John, privy to the presence of the iconic “Anchorman,” grins with a knowing edge, perhaps unfooled by Ferrell’s spirited attempt at incognito as the moustache wilts from the visage of the character he’s woven.
“I’m David Abernathy, I managed Bette Midler for a little while, and Air Supply,” proclaims Ferrell, an introduction met by John’s bemused expressions.
A candid exchange ensues post John’s departure. “Do you think John knows it’s me?” Ferrell queries with a hint of playfulness.
“John is suspicious, let’s be honest,” reassures Steele, a wry smile implicit in her reply.
This reprieve at SW Steakhouse stands in stark contrast to a prior engagement at Big Texan State Ranch in Amarillo, Texas — a somber affair that witnessed an emotional Ferrell grappling with an apology amid fears for Harper’s safety.
“I feel like I let you down in that moment,” a tearful Ferrell confesses, his vulnerability bared as they travel to their next destination, “I was like, ‘Oh, shit, ‘We gotta worry about Harper’s safety.’… That’s where I just…”
“Will and Harper,” an exposition rich with emotion and humanity, jointly navigated by kindred spirits and graced by fellow “SNL” alums like Wille Forte, Molly Shannon, and Kristen Wiig, is now streaming for the world on Netflix.
