Bob Trevino Likes It (2024 | USA | 105 minutes | Tracie Laymon)

When live-in home healthcare aide Lily (Barbie Ferreira) recounts the story of her life — abandoned by a drug addict mother, barely parented by an emotionally unavailable narcissist father — it’s her new therapist who ends the session sobbing and in need of a box of tissues. Having found herself cut off entirely by her irrational, self-centered dad (a loathsome French Stewart) for failing to bolster his cynical dating life, she turns to Facebook to re-connect. The blank profile she befriends shares a name with her father, but turns out to be an altogether sweeter and more supportive stranger (John Leguizamo). Don’t be fooled by the seemingly flimsy premise: based on director Tracie Laymon’s own experiences, the film unfolds with heart and humor as these lonely survivors of painful pasts strike up an unconventional friendship that fills a void in each other’s lives.

Unfortunately, Euphoria never seemed to have time (or interest) in Barbie Ferreira’s character; so it’s amazing to see her here in a leading role that gives her space to have a richly captivating emotional journey. Her outstanding performance is perfectly complimented by Leguizamo’s sweetly grounded dramatic turn. They bring out the best in each other in a film that confidently holds the audiences’s heart in their capable hands. A laugh, cry, and scream, heartbreaker hit of the festival.

No additional SIFF screenings; keep an eye on the official website for updates on release