Inspired by writer-director Tracie Laymon's real-life experience, Bob Trevino Likes It tells the story of a life-changing friendship that evolves from a young woman sending a friend request to the wrong Bob Trevino, as she tries to resolve an argument with her father.
A plot synopsis that could play out in different ways, within different film genres, depending on its wording. For example, “A young woman seeks to resolve her daddy issues with a stranger from the internet” = erotic thriller. “An older man accepts a friend request from a mysterious stranger on the internet” could easily turn into a horror film. What is so refreshing about Laymon's film, and what helps it to stand out from the crowd, is its commitment to the platonic, paternal nature of the relationship between Bob and Lily.
Reservations from friends and partners over the odd non-couple, in particular given the online method of their connection, are quickly put to bed. The two provide each other with someone missing from their lives. For Lily, this Bob Trevino is the polar opposite of her real father (an insidious, manipulative, gaslighting French Stewart). Whereas Bob finally gains the child he never got the opportunity to see grow up. The film succeeds because of the chemistry between the two leads.
Barbie Ferreira was one of the highlights of the Euphoria ensemble and excels here in a lead role. Lily is a young woman who neglects and sacrifices her feelings in the misguided notion that pleasing others will make her happy. Leguizamo gives Bob a world-weariness and we can see the pain and sadness behind the smile he gives his wife and colleagues, pretending everything is alright. A lifetime of sleepwalking through life and playing it safe to avoid getting hurt has taken its toll on him.
Together they will push each other to confront emotions and experiences buried deep down and emerge stronger and more positive on the other side. Even if life threatens to throw more obstacles into their paths.
It is easy to see why this film won the Audience Award at SXSW last year. Laymon's ode to friendship is a heart-warming film, capable of pulling on heartstrings when required to produce laughs and tears in equal measure.
As the title states, Bob Trevino likes it, and audiences are bound to “like it” too. Plus it reminds us of something all too rare these days. An example of the positive power of social media!
Bob Trevino Likes It screened at Glasgow Film Festival and will have a Digital release on 26th May
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