Will & Harper Christian Review

If you want to see what friendship looks like when it’s put through the wringer—when it’s stretched, twisted, and transformed, all while somehow holding its shape—Will & Harper offers a soft, sincere glimpse into that reality. On its surface, the film presents a simple story of two friends reconnecting, Will and Harper, whose relationship has survived the inevitable wear and tear of time, distance, and, in Harper’s case, the deeply personal and often public process of transitioning. But beneath that, there’s a tender exploration of how the essence of a friendship can stay intact, even as the people in it go through some pretty monumental changes.

It’s a film that takes its time, letting you sit in those small moments of quiet humor and heartfelt conversation. And while Will & Harper might seem like just another indie flick about rediscovering old bonds, it’s also a subtle nudge to look beyond the obvious and think about what it means to be truly present for someone when their journey doesn’t look anything like yours.

Friendship’s Unchanging Core

There’s something inherently beautiful about the way Will & Harper portrays friendship—not the Instagram-ready, always-happy kind of friendship, but the kind that’s messy, complex, and, most importantly, lasting. It’s the kind of friendship that holds true to what we see in Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times.” Will and Harper’s relationship stands as a reminder that real friendships don’t necessarily dissolve just because the people involved in them change.

The film doesn’t rush to explain every nuance of their past, but you don’t need a detailed backstory to feel the weight of their bond. It’s clear that they’ve shared a lot, and while things might have shifted between them—Harper’s transition being the most obvious example—their friendship remains a constant, even if they’re both trying to figure out what that means now.

In Christian thought, there’s something sacred about this idea of enduring friendship. The Bible celebrates relationships that survive hardship, and that’s what we see here. It’s not perfect, it’s not without its bumps, but Will and Harper’s connection speaks to something deeper: the notion that love, in all its forms, can weather just about anything. For Christians, this is an important reminder, especially in a world where we’re often quick to let go of relationships when they no longer fit neatly into our lives.

Navigating Change with Grace

Of course, a significant part of the film’s narrative revolves around Harper’s transition. It’s not the central theme, but it’s a key aspect of who Harper is and what she’s going through, and the film handles it with care. Now, as Christians, this is where things can get tricky. The Bible’s teaching on identity, particularly regarding gender, is clear: Genesis 1:27 tells us that God created male and female in His image. For some, the idea of a person transitioning might feel like it’s in conflict with this foundational belief.

But here’s where Will & Harper does something important—it doesn’t ask you to agree or disagree with Harper’s choices. Instead, it invites you to witness how Will navigates his own process of understanding and supporting his friend. It’s a portrayal of allyship, not in the flashy, performative way we often see in media, but in the small, deeply personal ways that really matter. Will’s care for Harper is quiet and steady, even if he doesn’t have all the answers.

And isn’t that, in many ways, what Christian love looks like? Loving someone doesn’t always mean having everything figured out; sometimes it means walking with them, sitting with them in their struggles, and showing up in ways that reflect God’s love for us—patient, kind, and long-suffering (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). Will may not fully understand Harper’s experience, but he shows her love in the way he’s present for her. And as Christians, we’re called to do the same, even when it’s uncomfortable or challenging.

The Power of Simple Kindness

One of the most touching elements of Will & Harper is the way it portrays the reactions of strangers to Harper’s presence. There’s something quietly moving about the small, everyday interactions that Harper has with people—those moments when someone simply acknowledges her with kindness or respect. It’s in these moments that the film shines in its message of simple human decency.

For Christians, this hits close to home. We’re taught to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31), and often, that love shows up in the smallest ways: a kind word, a moment of eye contact, a willingness to see the person in front of you as made in the image of God, no matter how different they might seem from you. In a world that can be harsh, especially for those who don’t fit societal norms, Will & Harper reminds us that kindness isn’t just nice—it’s transformative.

The film doesn’t ignore the ugliness Harper has faced, though. It touches on the prejudice and pain that come with living as a transgender woman in a world that isn’t always welcoming. But it does so without letting that be the defining aspect of her story. Instead, it focuses on the moments of connection and grace, those times when people—strangers and friends alike—choose to respond with love rather than judgment.

Wrestling with Identity and Faith

But Will & Harper isn’t without its complexities, especially for Christian viewers. The film asks you to engage with themes of identity and allyship that may not align with a traditional Christian understanding of gender and self. It’s a delicate balance, and it’s one that requires thoughtful consideration.

As Christians, we’re called to both truth and love. And sometimes, holding those two in tension is hard. Will & Harper might push some viewers to wrestle with how they reconcile the film’s message with their faith. The Bible offers clear guidance on our identity as God’s creation, but it also calls us to love others deeply and without condition (1 Peter 4:8). The film doesn’t offer easy answers, and it’s likely to spark conversations about what it means to love someone while holding firm to biblical truth.

For some, this tension will feel unresolved by the end of the movie. Harper’s journey is one of self-discovery, and while the film celebrates that, it also leaves room for viewers to question how this fits within their own worldview. That’s okay. As Christians, we’re called to think critically about the media we consume, to engage with it thoughtfully and prayerfully. Will & Harper offers an opportunity to do just that.

Final Thoughts on Friendship and Faith

Ultimately, Will & Harper is a film about the power of friendship to transcend the changes life throws at us. It’s a reminder that, while people grow and evolve, the core of a relationship can remain strong and true. For Christians, this film offers a chance to reflect on what it means to love others—especially when their journey looks different from our own.

It’s not a perfect film, and it doesn’t shy away from the complexities of its themes. But for those willing to engage with it thoughtfully, Will & Harper provides a nuanced and gentle portrait of friendship, love, and the quiet power of kindness. And in a world where we often find ourselves divided, that message is one worth hearing.

Rating: 6.5/10