Bob Trevino Likes It is a 2024 American drama comedy that is finally having its wide release this upcoming weekend. The film stars Barbie Ferreira, John Leguizamo, French Stewart, Lauren Spencer, and Rachel Bay Jones. A people-pleasing young woman, Lily Trevino (Ferreira), is involuntarily estranged from her narcissistic father and unexpectedly befriends a childless man with the same name as her father, Bob Trevino (Leguizamo) on the internet.

I’ve known about this film for a while, but I didn’t think I’d ever watch it, nor believe it’s one of the best movies of the year. I can still easily see this being in my top 10 by the end of the year. This is further proof that if I initially didn’t think I’d watch it, and at most enjoy it as much as I did, this will easily appeal to many others. With a wide release around the corner, it feels like the film has been gaining a lot of momentum that will lead to a lot of talk when it does become more available.

The film is a semi-autobiographical, inspired by writer & director Tracie Laymon’s personal experiences. Films on this caliber are so hit-or-miss for me as it can only speak to certain people who have gone through it. What makes this so universally compelling is the way it makes it overly complex. It’s clear Lily has a lot of mental health issues due to the way she’s been treated. Personally, I could see the way the film tackles OCD, anxiety, and depression. All things that I experience. She wants to be liked, and the truth is, she’s having to overcompensate when she’s doing wrong to begin with.

When we see Lily go through her relationship with her biological father, Bob Trevino (Stewart), it’s immediately heartbreaking based on the way he speaks about other women to her. Who in their right mind would do that? The truth is that it does happen and the film doesn’t shy away from it, leading Lily on a journey of self-discovery.

The way Lily runs into the other Bob Trevino, played by Leguizamo, is quite ironic and hilarious. It actually shows a healthy way of how social media should be used: to connect with others. Sure, depending on the perspective, it may seem strange how these two meet, but it makes these two characters the better for it.

When we learn more about this new Bob and his backstory, it’s heartbreaking. As the story goes on, you learn he needs Lily as much as Lily needs him. Considering what his character goes through, it’s nice to see him seek some peace with his past and how he rectifies it.

When it comes to small indies, this one stands out amongst the rest. The tone knows how to draw you into the reality of the story, whether that be the humor through awkward situations or just reeling in the emotional capacity of when the biological father does something no father should ever do.

When it reached its end point, I did question the complexity of some character decisions. After all these are real people and I can’t see them acting any other way. There are several points that had me on the verge of tears, but the conclusion will easily get to you. It’s emotionally gut-wrenching, but 100% deserving of the story that’s being told.

Overall, Bob Trevino Likes It is an exceptional and flawless film that I could easily connect with throughout. As it reaches more people, it’s only going to take the world by storm, igniting what’s going to be tremendous momentum in giving Barbie Ferreira & filmmaker Tracie Laymon more work. You are not going to want to miss out on one of the best movies of the year.

VERDICT: 5/5 (Perfect)