Bob Trevino Likes It

Bob Trevino Likes It, the feature debut from writer-director Tracie Laymon, is a wonderfully moving portrait of friendship that’s as frequently funny as it is heartbreaking. Inspired by the filmmaker’s own life, the plot sees Lilly (Barbie Ferreira) attempt to reach out to her father (French Stewart) via Facebook after he walks out of her life. Instead, she mistakenly contacts a stranger (John Leguizamo) who happens to share her father’s name. After exchanging messages, the pair form a strong connection, with this Bob Trevino becoming a father figure to her.

A large part of this flick’s charm comes from Laymon’s ability to move between tragedy and comedy with ease. In an early scene, hearing about Lilly’s rough upbringing is enough to make her counsellor burst into tears. Later, a tearjerker of an anecdote about a childhood dog gives way to what is easily this movie’s sweetest moment. More than hitting the required emotional beats, every aspect of this feature is imbued with an authenticity that’s rich in tenderness and charm.

Ferreira’s exuberant performance perfectly captures the feature’s vibrant personality. Alongside bringing a high energy and endless likeability to the role, the star likewise gives the character a real sense of vulnerability during the more intimate moments, enabling viewers to connect with her on a deeper level. Leguizamo is also excellent throughout. His kind-hearted tones and tortured dad jokes are a consistent source of warmth, and watching the pair’s onscreen chemistry is another one of this film’s many dazzling bright spots. Stewart, too, is phenomenal as Lilly’s comically terrible father, who during one scene, hands her an itemised bill of everything he’s spent on her (including baby food).

Laymon moves through this semi-autobiographical tale at a brisk pace. While there’s sufficient time spent fleshing out Leguizamo and Ferreira’s newfound friendship, a messier third act temporarily knocks the movie off its stride.  A lot of significant developments occur towards the final stretch in quick succession, which aren’t given as much time to be developed or reflected upon. Despite some haste getting to the ending, though, the filmmaker nevertheless nails the final moments, delivering a powerful end to Lilly’s journey in what is a superb feature debut.

Andrew Murray

Bob Trevino Likes It does not have a release date yet.

Read more reviews from our Glasgow Film Festival coverage here.

For further information about the event visit the Glasgow Film Festival website here.