I don’t just like it… I love it when a movie has a unique concept — and then expands upon it by delivering powerhouse results the rest of the way through. “Bob Trevino Likes It” is one of the standout films of 2025 so far.
Barbie Ferreira (from HBO’s “Euphoria”) is fantastic as 25-year-old Lily. She and her father Bob (played by French Stewart) don’t have a healthy relationship. For reasons I don’t want to spoil, Lily submits a Facebook friend request to “Bob Trevino”. Turns out it’s not her father — but a man who lives in a completely different state with a completely different life. This Bob Trevino is played by an excellent John Leguizamo. He and Lily become friends, in ways I also don’t want to give away because how events occur and evolve over the course of the movie is one of the most interesting and engaging things about it.
Occasionally writer/director Tracie Laymon (inspired by a similar situation that actually happened to her) chooses to hit story points A and B in order to intentionally achieve point C in ways that aren’t the smoothest or most logical. But about 85% of this screenplay is rich, deep and highly effective, right to the end. When the film is funny, it’s in an authentic sense. And the same goes for the drama. Ferreira and Leguizamo are so good together their dynamic will be difficult for many duos to top during the rest of the year. Laymon presents the generational differences between these characters in smart ways, along with what they truly have in common.
“Bob Trevino Likes It” tackles loneliness, loss, difficult memories and attempting to move on in very poignant ways. Friendship and communication are important. Connections on social media — and in real life — matter. This is a movie that doesn’t hold back. It breaks your heart, warms it up, and then repeats the cycle two or three more times.
LCJ GRADE: B+
Running Time: 102 min.