“Will & Harper,” directed and written by Josh Greenbaum, stands out in 2024 as an intriguing documentary film that blends political intrigue, personal drama, and visionary ambition. Featuring an ensemble cast led by Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Will Forte, this film takes a deep dive into a crumbling city and the man who seeks to rebuild it using a groundbreaking new material. Despite the seemingly straightforward narrative, the layers of personal conflict, betrayal, and moral dilemmas enrich the story, providing a compelling reflection on power, ambition, and relationships in a high-stakes world.

In this review, we will explore the film’s premise, plot intricacies, key characters, themes, performances, and overall cinematic impact. Whether you are a fan of political dramas, documentaries, or just looking for a film with a thought-provoking narrative, “Will & Harper” promises a unique experience.

Plot Overview

At the heart of the story is Mayor Franklyn, whose plans to save the city of New Rome are rapidly losing the public’s interest as the metropolis begins to collapse. The city, once a beacon of innovation, is now in disarray, struggling to maintain its grip on hope. Franklyn, portrayed as a well-meaning but ineffective leader, tries to implement solutions to turn things around. However, the lack of progress and his failure to engage the citizens paints him as a futile figure.

Enter Cesar, a wealthy and brilliant leader at the helm of the Design Authority. Cesar is not just a businessman—he is a visionary, a man with the grand ambition to rebuild society through the creation of a utopia powered by a new and groundbreaking material called Megalon. His goal is clear: harness the power of Megalon to improve the human condition and establish a perfect society for all.

However, Cesar’s rise is not without complications. As the city begins to see the fruits of his labor, his personal life becomes entwined with political struggles. Mayor Franklyn’s daughter, Julia, finds herself falling in love with Cesar, much to her father’s dismay. This adds an emotional layer to the already complex political landscape, leading to moments of tension, conflict, and ultimately, personal betrayal.

Despite personal scandals and the tragic death of his wife under mysterious circumstances, Cesar remains unwavering in his commitment to his vision. As he works to bring his Megalopolis into reality, his cousin Clodio devises a cunning plan to undermine him, aiming to defame his rival and seize power. Clodio’s machinations reveal the darker side of ambition and show just how far individuals are willing to go for personal gain, even at the expense of family loyalty.

Characters and Performances

Will Ferrell as Cesar

Will Ferrell delivers a commanding performance as Cesar, the ambitious leader seeking to reshape society with Megalon. Known for his comedic roles, Ferrell’s portrayal of a serious, visionary character is a refreshing departure from his usual fare. His nuanced performance captures the internal struggle of a man who is both driven and burdened by his own vision for the future. Ferrell’s ability to balance moments of intensity with vulnerability makes Cesar a relatable, albeit flawed, protagonist.

Tina Fey as Julia

Tina Fey plays Julia, the intelligent yet conflicted daughter of Mayor Franklyn. Julia’s relationship with Cesar adds an emotional dimension to the narrative, and Fey brings a sense of depth to the character. Her portrayal of a woman torn between family loyalty and love for a man whose ideals challenge her father’s authority is both compelling and heartbreaking. Fey’s performance adds nuance to the story, turning Julia from a passive character into someone whose decisions carry significant weight.

Will Forte as Clodio

Will Forte shines as Clodio, Cesar’s ambitious cousin, whose jealousy and thirst for power drive much of the conflict in the film. Forte’s performance is a perfect balance of subtle menace and over-the-top ambition, making Clodio a character audiences love to hate. His scheming and manipulation are central to the film’s tension, and Forte’s comedic background provides a unique flavor to Clodio’s darker traits.

Mayor Franklyn

Although the role of Mayor Franklyn is less prominent, the character plays a crucial part in the story’s exploration of political failure and disillusionment. Franklyn, portrayed with great sensitivity, embodies the well-meaning yet ineffectual leader who cannot hold onto the public’s interest. The character provides an interesting foil to Cesar’s vision, illustrating the complexity of leadership in a time of crisis.

Themes and Analysis

The Power of Vision and Innovation

One of the central themes of “Will & Harper” is the power of vision and innovation. Cesar’s obsession with using Megalon to create a perfect society highlights the potential of technology and new ideas to shape the future. However, the film does not shy away from exploring the darker side of such ambition. It raises questions about the moral implications of striving for perfection and whether the end justifies the means.

Cesar’s unwavering dedication to his utopian vision presents a cautionary tale about the dangers of single-mindedness. His refusal to address the personal and ethical consequences of his actions creates tension, not only within the story but also within the audience’s perception of his character.

Family, Loyalty, and Betrayal

Another powerful theme in the film is the tension between family loyalty and personal ambition. Julia’s love for Cesar complicates her relationship with her father, Mayor Franklyn. This generational divide exposes the emotional cost of political ambition, as well as the destructive power of rivalry within families. Cesar and Clodio’s strained relationship as cousins exemplifies the destructive nature of ambition when it leads to betrayal.

The concept of loyalty is further explored through Clodio’s actions, as his desire to remove Cesar from power puts him in direct opposition to his family’s legacy. The familial dynamics within the story add complexity to the political and personal conflicts, making the stakes feel more personal and emotionally charged.

Tragedy and Scandal

The mysterious death of Cesar’s wife introduces an element of tragedy and scandal that further complicates his already troubled rise to power. This subplot serves as a metaphor for the cost of pursuing a higher ideal at the expense of personal relationships and integrity. The scandal surrounding Cesar’s wife’s death raises questions about the lengths people are willing to go to in order to protect their vision, even when it means sacrificing loved ones.

The film suggests that tragedy is an inevitable consequence of ambition, and the pursuit of greatness often comes at a personal cost. Cesar’s inability to reconcile his personal and professional lives ultimately serves as a poignant commentary on the complexities of leadership and vision.

Political Intrigue and Corruption

At its core, “Will & Harper” is a film about power and the political machinations that surround it. Clodio’s attempt to undermine Cesar reflects the cutthroat nature of political systems, where individuals manipulate and scheme to further their own agendas. This sense of corruption is mirrored in the city of New Rome itself, which is crumbling due to poor leadership and lack of vision.

The film examines the consequences of political corruption, not just on the leaders but on the citizens they are meant to serve. It illustrates how the pursuit of power can lead to moral decay and the erosion of societal values.

Cinematic Style and Direction

Josh Greenbaum’s direction is a standout feature of “Will & Harper.” Known for his keen eye for detail, Greenbaum captures the nuances of both the political and personal drama unfolding in the film. The cinematography is striking, with stark contrasts between the crumbling city and the glossy, futuristic world that Cesar is building with Megalon. The visual style mirrors the film’s thematic exploration of progress versus decay, using light and shadow to highlight the characters’ inner turmoil and the broader societal collapse.

The pacing of the film is deliberate, allowing the story to unfold with tension and emotional depth. Greenbaum uses slow, thoughtful scenes to build character development, while faster-paced sequences inject urgency and drama into the narrative. The film’s tone fluctuates between somber moments of reflection and high-stakes conflict, keeping the audience engaged throughout.

Conclusion

“Will & Harper” (2024) is a captivating documentary that explores the intersection of ambition, vision, and political intrigue in a crumbling society. Through complex characters, powerful performances, and thought-provoking themes, the film challenges audiences to reconsider the costs of pursuing greatness and the consequences of betrayal and ambition. Josh Greenbaum’s direction and the stellar performances of Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Will Forte elevate the film, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in stories about power, family, and the human condition.

As New Rome teeters on the edge of collapse, “Will & Harper” offers a compelling meditation on leadership, vision, and the sacrifices that come with attempting to change the world.