Nominated for Glasgow Film Festival’s Audience Award is Bob Trevino Likes It, which had its UK premiere on 6 March.

Starring Barbie Ferreira as its protagonist, the film follows Lily attempting to come to terms with the strained relationship she has with her father Bob Trevino (French Stewart). Deeply upset after he decides he is through with their relationship, Lily does all she can to reconnect with him, accidentally befriending a man on Facebook with the same name (played by John Leguizamo) in the process. The pair embark on an emotional journey of self-discovery, healing the heartache in each other’s lives.

Both Ferreira and Leguizamo are passion-filled in their roles, beckoning the audience to feel their characters’ pain. With every inch of Lily’s reactions infused with raw emotion, it’s hard not to feel the discomfort she experiences, and it is these performances that make the film sing, saving it from mediocracy.

Whilst carrying an interesting plotline loosely based on director Tracie Laymon’s personal experience, the film often lacks originality in other elements. The cinematography is unfortunately relatively simple bar the odd shot, and while these occasional bold switches feel intense, they lead to the otherwise lacklustre direction feeling like a missed opportunity to elevate the execution from good to great.

Despite its shortcomings, Bob Trevino Likes It has few flaws and succeeds in being accessible and enjoyable, grounded in a bed of pureness and warmth. One to watch with those close to you – particularly those who carry tissues with them – it asks the audience to reflect on their own relationships, whatever kind they may be. 

Neil Highlands Singer

Hi, I’m Neil Singer, Culture Editor and second year student, studying media and journalism, and social policy. In my spare time I play for Strathclyde Lacrosse and watch a lot of films. If your reading this then that probably means you’ve looked at my article, so thankyou! You must be one very cool individual.