Movies

Flawed but often moving, Bob Trevino Likes It works best as an acting exercise

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Modern social media platforms are often criticized for providing a platform for neo-Nazis and disseminating false information for financial advantage. However, they can also serve as a means of connection. For instance, the character Lily Trevino (played by Barbie Ferreira) in the series “Bob Trevino Likes It‘s” is portrayed as living a very isolated life. She consistently tries to please her cold and abusive father Robert Trevino (played by French Stewart), internalizing her worthlessness because of his constant belittlement. When Robert stops speaking to Lily, this 25-year-old woman decides to reach out to him on Facebook as a last resort.

In this scenario, Lily accidentally finds the profile of Bob Trevino (John Leguizamo), a man in his 50s who works as a safety inspector and leads a rather homebound life due to his wife’s encouragement to socialize more. When Lily sends him a friend request, an unlikely friendship forms between them, which might seem destined for failure. However, as they continue their conversations and even arrange meetings in person, they both come to understand that they provide mutual support for each other. The idea that “everyone has a bit of emptiness inside” from the musical Avenue Q rings particularly true in this case. What’s more, it becomes evident that neither Lily nor Bob are truly alone as they grapple with that persistent emptiness. As their friendship develops, they become increasingly attuned to these realities.

In the film “Bob Trevino Likes It“, the friendship between Lily and Bob is central. I found myself yearning for the director, Tracie Laymon, and cinematographer John Rosario to capture this bond more broadly in their shots. Frequently, scenes with Lily and Bob are confined to standard medium shots, even when they’re very close to each other. A particular scene where Lily shares a traumatic childhood experience involving a dog is marred by this repetitive framing. The constant cuts between Lily and Bob during her emotional testimony lessens the raw impact of her words. This is a deeply connecting moment for the two; it would have been more powerful if they had shared the same shot.

In the realm of independent dramas, Laymon’s writing style is quite characteristic, offering both advantages and disadvantages. One of the downsides is that employing a tone similar to films like “The Way, Way Back“, “Safety Not Guaranteed“, or “My Old Ass” for this narrative diminishes the intensity of its darker aspects. Fundamentally, “Bob Trevino Likes It” is a poignant tale about a woman who has been subjugated by her father for years, leaving her a 25-year-old with little self-reliance and confidence to the point where she’s unfamiliar with even basic household items like a plunger. The emotional strain of this psychological trauma is not always adequately conveyed due to the witty dialogue and overly dramatic plot twists. Certain aspects of the story, such as Robert Trevino’s cruelty or Lily’s most discordant actions (like her third act visit to Bob and Jeanie’s house), could have been given more depth. In some instances, the lighter aesthetic of “Bob Trevino Likes It” fails to fully develop its characters while simultaneously echoing a typical summer 2013 indie production.

Despite its flaws, Laymon’s story effectively delivers its intended message, as Chappell Roan might say. To claim that the ending of Bob Trevino Like It’s didn’t stir some strong emotions within me would be quite a stretch. This is a clear indication that this heartwarming indie tearjerker has succeeded in its mission. Notably, Laymon also portrays the everyday life of working-class individuals in 2025 Kentucky, a world where even the younger generation still uses “YOLO”. The script and cinematography take their time to depict ordinary moments like bus rides, kitchen chats among friends, or taking awkward selfies in a bathroom. Fortunately, Laymon’s writing doesn’t turn these moments into profound insights or excessive exposition. Instead, they are naturalistic interactions filled with casual dialogue. By focusing on such elements, Laymon paints a realistic picture of the world in Bob Trevino Likes It’s, making emotionally charged scenes more relatable and easier to connect with.

Above all, this film stands out by providing ample space for its main characters to shine brilliantly. The exceptionally adaptable actor Leguizamo radiates an incredibly inviting aura from the very beginning of his Bob Trevino portrayal. His on-screen persona feels genuinely relatable and authentic, projecting a quiet confidence that captivates without resorting to over-the-top antics. This conviction pays off handsomely as Leguizamo’s performance is so compelling that it becomes immediately understandable why Lily would perceive him as a comforting, supportive figure in her life.

Regarding Lily, portrayed by Barbie Ferreira, her most prominent film role yet is nothing short of remarkable. A particular scene titled “Bob Trevino Likes It” stands out, showcasing Ferreira’s performance as exceptionally impactful. In this scene, Ferreira, as Lily, enters a building with Bob, and her eyes express a torrent of emotions that speak volumes. Through her eyes, Ferreira vividly portrays Lily’s sudden realization of where she is, the significance of the location to her personally, and the heartfelt impact of Bob’s kindness. In just a few moments, she manages to convey so much depth, revealing glimpses into her soul through those windows. This powerful acting display of facial expressions is truly moving, and it’s not even the only instance where Ferreira leaves an impression in “Bob Trevino Likes It“.

Ferreira and Leguizamo, along with charismatic supporting actors Jones and Lolo Spencer, maintain an emotionally gripping atmosphere in the production of “Bob Trevino Likes It,” despite its tendency to delve excessively into lengthy monologues and familiar camera shots. By adopting a more intricate visual style and giving these skilled actors room to breathe could have enhanced Lymon’s production. Compared to previous indie feel-good hits like the repetitive “Woman in Gold,” “Bob Trevino Likes It” manages to stand out with its touching and enjoyable moments. However, it remains to be seen whether general audiences will be able to accept the over-the-top premise of this production, which posits that social media can bring people together rather than drive them apart.

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2025-03-24 15:15

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