Lily Trevino (Barbie Ferreira) is a care worker who often finds herself on-site helping and caring for others. She enjoys supporting and pleasing people, which makes her job a great fit for her. In her spare time, Lily is passionate about honing her skills in poetry. However, her usually cheerful nature is soon turned upside down, putting her personal joy at risk.
The trouble begins after Lily experiences a breakup with her boyfriend. Shortly afterwards, she starts receiving text messages that are not meant for her. To make matters worse, when her father, Robert (French Stewart), approaches her with a favour to ask, she accepts without hesitation. Unfortunately, she ends up making a mistake that offends Robert deeply. Frustrated and outraged, he walks away, ignoring her calls and refusing to accept her apology. As a result, Lily feels isolated, lacking connection and friendship, and feels unloved and unwanted by anyone.
When Robert refuses to connect with Lily, she takes a different approach by searching for him on Facebook. She eventually finds a profile for Robert, who goes by Bob Trevino. However, to her surprise, it turns out that Bob Trevino (John Leguizamo) is a stranger and not her father. While Lily feels embarrassed about the mix-up, she soon discovers something unexpected: Bob engages her in conversation on social media and starts liking her posts. An unlikely friendship begins, and Lily and Bob even meet in person. For Lily, Bob isn’t someone she sees as a potential boyfriend—after all, he is married. Instead, she views him as a father figure and a role model, providing her with kindness, friendship, and encouragement that she has never experienced before. Lily’s life takes on an entirely new direction, giving her hope and a new way of life unlike before.
Bob Trevino Likes It is a drama film that surprisingly intertwines feel-good moments with touching comedy. Although I have never experienced the same situation as Lily, it is impossible not to be moved, uplifted, and affected by the film’s themes, such as the importance of human connection and the idea that no one should ever have to fight alone. The film is written and directed by Tracie Laymon, who previously worked on a few short movies titled Girls! Girls! Girls! (2011) and Ghosted (2020). I won’t share all the details to avoid spoilers, but I can say that this is a very personal story for Tracie, inspired by a genuine friendship.
The three leading performances by Barbie Ferreira, John Leguizamo, and French Stewart are outstanding. I loved Barbie’s work in this role; she portrays a character navigating the wild rollercoaster of life. She puts in great effort to achieve a calm and joyful existence, yet her world is continuously disrupted. This dynamic showcases her many ups and downs as she tries to move forward, reflect on her past, and build unlikely new friendships. John Leguizamo delivers a kind, sweet, gentle, likeable and loving performance. Meanwhile, French Stewart takes on a refreshing new role, playing a character with a wide emotional range. He successfully brings to life a horrible person characterised by outrageous behaviour and a selfish mindset. Every performer on screen feels genuine throughout the entire duration.
Although some moments and outcomes were predictable regarding the storyline, that didn’t diminish this film’s impact on me. It was a beautiful story that I believe will uplift and sincerely encourage many, if not all, viewers as the credits roll. Much like the performances, the dialogue and writing feel natural and authentic. Even though the film may seem minor or low budget, lacking elaborate locations or numerous characters, I was glued to the screen, compelled to see it through to the end.
Overall, if you’re looking for a drama film that combines heartfelt moments with comedy and leaves you feeling inspired, I highly recommend this movie. It tells a beautiful story based on true friendship. The performances by Barbie Ferreira, John Leguizamo, and French Stewart are outstanding, and the dialogue feels genuine and authentic. While some aspects may be predictable, the emotional impact remains significant and rewarding once the credits roll. I rarely say this, but this film is more than just entertainment; it offers a profound experience that takes viewers on a journey, reminding us of the unlimited power of human connection and the importance of friendship.
Bob Trevino Likes It (2024) is Available in Australian Cinemas from March 20th!
FILM SCORE: FINESSE!
Published: 18th March 2025
Written by: Peter Walkden
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