Will & Harper (2024) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A documentary following a cross-country journey to support a friend's transition while confronting societal and personal challenges.

Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases

The Email & The Departure

Harper Steele comes out via email, prompting a cross-country road trip with Will Ferrell. They begin in New York, visiting SNL studios and reconnecting with colleagues.

Key Events

• Email Revelation — Harper Steele emails Will Ferrell to come out as transgender. Location: New York City
• Pre-Trip Dinner — The pair meet Harper's daughters before starting the road trip. Location: Restaurant
• SNL Studio Visit — They visit Studio 8H and reunite with former cast members. Location: Studio 8H
• DC Parking Lot Talk — They discuss Harper's identity and their friendship while briefly meeting a fan. Location: Washington D.C.
• Indiana Basketball Game — They attend a game and encounter Governor Eric Holcomb. Location: Beech Grove

Midwest Encounters & Laws

The journey moves through the Midwest, where they meet family, peers, and political figures. They confront the reality of anti-trans legislation in Indiana.

Key Events

• Indiana Basketball Game — They attend a game and encounter Governor Eric Holcomb. Location: Beech Grove
• Anti-Trans Law Discovery — They learn Holcomb signed a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors. Location: Indiana
• Meeting Dana — Steele meets Dana, a trans woman who transitioned later in life. Location: Peoria
• Song Request to Wiig — They contact Kristen Wiig to write a song for their road trip. Location: Phone Call
• Iowa Sister Visit — Steele visits her sister Eleanor and reflects on childhood memories. Location: Iowa City
• Oklahoma Dive Bar — Steele enters a dive bar alone before Ferrell joins her upon request. Location: Meeker

Cross-Country Trials & Truths

Traveling west, they face social prejudice, share personal vulnerabilities, and integrate new companions. Steele confronts past trauma and societal hostility.

Key Events

• Oklahoma Dive Bar — Steele enters a dive bar alone before Ferrell joins her upon request. Location: Meeker
• Amarillo Steakhouse — Ferrell dresses as Sherlock Holmes, unintentionally drawing attention to Harper. Location: Amarillo
• Suicidal Thoughts Confession — Steele admits to past suicidal thoughts and her decision to avoid buying a gun. Location: Car
• New Mexico Balloon Ride — The trio rides a hot-air balloon together in New Mexico. Location: Albuquerque
• Grand Canyon Photo — A retired therapist takes their photo and shares a past patient story. Location: Grand Canyon
• Las Vegas Prep — Steele buys a dress and gets makeup done while Ferrell buys a disguise. Location: Las Vegas

Western Solitude & Return

In California, Steele faces the vandalism of her safe house, leading to an emotional breakdown. The trip concludes in Los Angeles with reflection and renewed commitment.

Key Events

• Las Vegas Prep — Steele buys a dress and gets makeup done while Ferrell buys a disguise. Location: Las Vegas
• Vegas Dinner Confidence — Steele acknowledges Ferrell's companionship boosted her self-confidence. Location: SW Steakhouse
• Trona House Vandalism — They discover Steele's purchased escape house has been vandalized. Location: Trona
• Trona Emotional Breakdown — Steele breaks down over hiding her true self; Ferrell comforts her. Location: Trona
• Dunkin Donuts Stop — Steele finally gives in to Ferrell's long-requested Dunkin Donuts stop. Location: Roadside
• LA Nail Salon Reunion — They visit Molly Shannon to discuss lessons learned during the trip. Location: Los Angeles
• Beach Gift Exchange — Ferrell gifts Steele diamond earrings as they reminisce about the journey. Location: Beach
• Credits Song Premiere — Wiig reveals the finished song Harper and Will Go West plays over credits. Location: Studio

Story Breakdown

• Inciting Revelation — Harper comes out via email, setting the journey in motion.
  • Email Notification — Will receives Harper's transgender revelation.
  • Pre-Trip Preparation — Meeting Harper's daughters and planning the route.
• Early Journey Stops — Initial travels through New York and Washington D.C.
  • SNL Studio Reunion — Visiting Studio 8H and reconnecting with alumni.
  • DC Identity Talk — Discussing Harper's identity in a parking lot.
• Midwest Political Reality — Encounters with legislation and local figures in Indiana.
  • Governor Encounter — Meeting Eric Holcomb at a basketball game.
  • Legislation Discovery — Learning about the ban on gender-affirming care.
• Personal History & Family — Visiting Iowa and reflecting on childhood and sisterhood.
  • Sister Visit — Meeting Eleanor and reviewing baby photos.
  • Childhood Reflection — Discussing past slurs and unicycle memories.
• Western Trials & Truths — Crossing Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico with growing tension.
  • Dive Bar Visit — Steele enters a bar alone before Ferrell joins.
  • Steakhouse Confrontation — Ferrell's costume draws unwanted attention to Harper.
• Crisis & Resolution — California events lead to emotional breakdown and final reflection.
  • Trona House Vandalism — Discovering Steele's safe house has been damaged.
  • Beach Gift Exchange — Ferrell gifts earrings as they plan a return trip.

Directed by

Josh Greenbaum

Key Cast

• Will Ferrell — Self
• Harper Steele — Self
• Tim Meadows — Self
• Seth Meyers — Self
• Kristen Wiig — Self