Bob Trevino Likes It Review
Everyone wants a friend these days, but that’s especially hard with everything happening in the world today. With everyone facing their own circumstances, most social encounters have come from online spaces, whether it be Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or otherwise. However, when you’re able to find that one person who you can resonate with, it can change everything, for better or worse. That’s the case with Tracie Laymon’s Bob Trevino Likes It, a semi-autobiographical film that’s incredibly sincere and emotionally powerful.
Bob Trevino Likes It centers around Lily Trevino (Euphoria’s Barbie Ferreira), a small-town girl who finds herself in an estranged relationship with her real dad, Robert. Desperate to reconcile with her father, Lily scrounges around on social media until she comes across an account named after her dad. Slowly but surely, Lily and Bob (John Leguizamo) build a friendship over time that becomes an integral part of Lily’s life.
With all biographical films, there exists this challenge of what should get presented in a film through a specific lens. Films like Catch Me If You Can and Blackkklansman are based on real individuals, but due to many factors like directorial vision and recency, the creative liberties taken may be more noticeable. However, given that Bob Trevino Likes It is purely developed under Laymon’s vision (additionally, from her own personal experiences), these liberties can be somewhat more relaxed. As such, all of the choices made make for a heart-crushing watch.
The first few moments see Lily trying to cope between her break-up and her father’s dating shenanigans. At certain points, there’s this uneasy tension between Lily and Robert where you can really feel that Robert only cares about himself. As much as Lily wants to gaslight herself into believing she’s doing her father right, she’s essentially abandoning what she really wants. This initial chemistry between Ferreira and French Stewart lends for some comedic moments, but it can feel rightfully uncomfortable, especially when the second act begins. However, there’s one scene in the third act where Ferreira really captivates you as she goes all out.
When we get introduced to Leguizamo’s Bob, there’s something about his grounded performance that will instantly click. He’s a working man, but he’s honest and caring about others, especially with his scrap-booking wife, Jeanie (Rachel Bay Jones). There are several cute moments between Bob and Jeanie that are essentially “feel good” moments, whether they be reflecting on their past or figuring out if Lily’s a catfisher or not. However, they work because the dialogue never tries to be too quirky about these situations.
Of course, once Lily and Bob meet, the chemistry between Leguizamo and Ferreira is absolutely phenomenal. Every time they share the screen together, it’s simply mesmerizing how they shape Lily and Bob to share this maturity even if it initially begins with this stereotypical setup. As someone who built online connections before developing them in real life, watching Bob care for Lily in this father-like way that he couldn’t before is extremely powerful. We’re always looking for someone to rely on, even if we don’t know that we need it. When the film’s focus is on them, they really do wonders with presenting Laymon’s experiences to the big screen.
The one thing that will really captivate you is the cinematographic choices, especially with those radial blurs whenever Lily comes to these emotional conclusions. While it’s a small touch, it adds that bit of intensity that really feels special in a way that Laymonn could only integrate. Given how many other special details were added last minute, from Bob’s car crying to some campfire fireflies, all of the little details work in harmony to make this a story that will resonate with anyone.
Bob Trevino Likes It plays on both Barbie Ferreira and John Leguizamo’s charms to manifest a heartwarming story about connection, empathy, and family from Tracie Laymon’s personal experiences. It successfully excels in nearly every detail, and even when it doesn’t (the third act can be somewhat fast), it still manages to hit the right spots.
Bob Trevino Likes It is now playing in theaters in NY & LA and comes to select cities on March 28.
Rating: ★★★★½
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.