Directed by: Tracie Laymon
Written by: Tracie Laymon
Run Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
David Fincher’s The Social Network (2010) – which charted the creation and development of Facebook – was released amidst the height of the social media platform’s popularity. Fifteen years on, and while the site might not have the same online dominance it once did, it remains a significant pop culture reference, especially for the millennials who grew up using it. Naturally, there’s a lot of nostalgia attached to it and with that, plenty of stories too. New comedy-drama Bob Trevino Likes It, tells one such story, specifically, that of American writer-director Tracie Laymon.
While attempting to use Facebook to reconnect with her father, Lily (Barbie Ferreira) accidentally adds another man who shares his name. When this user, Bob (John Leguizamo) begins to like Lily’s posts the pair start to develop an online friendship that eventually leads to them meeting up in person. However, it’s unclear if they can make their unorthodox friendship, that being one between a younger single woman and an older married man, work in the real world.
Initially, what’s most surprising about Bob Trevino Likes It is that Lily is able to strike up any kind of friendship at all, as in the beginning she’s not all that likeable. Her melodramatic nature is off-putting and she comes across as a character that would be difficult to spend time with. As a result Lily isn’t only grating to the other characters, but also to the audience; a first impression that creates a sense of uncertainty as to how engaging any ensuing story could possibly be. Thankfully, when Bob starts liking her posts and subsequently featuring in more of the plot, the film becomes far more agreeable.
Despite this, Lily and Bob’s friendship is an awkward one. Their interactions are undeniably cringe and it’s hard not to question whether or not a friendship like theirs is even right. Yet, every time these kinds of worries begin to creep in, Bob Trevino Likes It presents a really sweet sample of drama that sees any reservations slip away. This unexpected earnestness is a welcome addition to Laymon’s writing, and one that makes way for a particularly poignant storyline of Bob and his wife’s that is amongst the film’s most tender and effective moments.
Although, as a whole her screenplay does use both of the main characters’ loneliness to bring them closer together, offering each of them the chance to heal and to process their respective trauma. There’s an inverted symmetry between the pair and it’s especially touching to see both individuals able to help the other work through their pain. It’s remarkable just how affecting the emotional elements eventually become, especially considering how uninterested audiences may find themselves in the film’s unconvincing first act.
Much credit should go to John Leguizamo’s charming turn as Bob; a gentle, unassuming performance that compliments Barbie Ferreira’s more animated work nicely. While Leguizamo embodies Bob’s endearing nature comfortably, Ferreira has to put in a little more effort in order for audiences to fully embrace Lily. She proves to be a capable young actor though, as with the help of Laymon’s personal screenplay she cuts through Lily’s theatrics and reveals a more nuanced, sympathetic interpretation of the character.
Together, they make this, the unlikeliest of Facebook friendships, seem like the most plausible of profile pairings. As while admittedly, Bob Trevino Likes It can sometimes feel like the cinematic equivalent of a cringey status update, it actually conveys a real world connection, that’s both compassionate and cathartic.
Star Rating: ★ ★ ★
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