Bob Trevino Likes It

Everyday, we encounter countless people in our lives, and most of the time, we pay little to no attention to them. The ones who do stand out are those who either make a scene or have something unique about them that catches our attention. But have you ever stopped and simply watched people, wondering what they might be going through? We all have our own battles, but some are fighting much harder ones. In Tracie Laymon’s new film, Bob Trevino Likes It, we see just how much we all long for someone who truly acknowledges us.

When we meet Lily (Barbie Ferreira), she’s having a rough moment. Lying in bed, she receives a text from a guy—only to realize it wasn’t meant for her. Instead of expressing how she really feels, she simply replies, “No problem :)”. That’s Lily—always nice, no matter how others treat her. Her life seems like a mess; her father, Robert (French Stewart), barely acknowledges her existence, too focused on his own love life to care about his daughter’s struggles. It’s clear he never really wanted her, and he makes sure she knows it, showing no hesitation in cutting ties with her.

Lily is just one of many people drifting through life, unnoticed—until she sends a Facebook friend request to someone she hopes is her father. That man is Bob Trevino (John Leguizamo), and he’s dealing with his own challenges. But when he accepts Lily’s request, a beautiful and unexpected friendship begins—one that both of them desperately need.

Written and directed by Tracie Laymon, Bob Trevino Likes It is a film that tugs at your heartstrings, taking you on an emotional roller coaster. Laymon masterfully balances humor with deeply moving moments, and her directorial choices, particularly in how she films Ferreira, ensure that each emotion is felt. Nearly every moment in the film feels authentic—especially the central relationship, which grows through real triumphs and struggles.

Bob Trevino Likes It is inspired by a real-life experience from Laymon, which explains why it feels so genuine. The story lays the foundation, but it’s the performances that truly bring it to life. Leguizamo is excellent as a quiet, kind man who eventually learns to stand up for himself. As for Ferreira, she is absolutely magnificent—her portrayal of Lily is both heartfelt and deeply relatable, seamlessly shifting from lighthearted humor to raw vulnerability. Laymon ensures that all of her characters embrace this kind of emotional depth, making their journeys even more compelling.

In a world that often seems overwrought with negativity, Bob Trevino Likes It is a reminder that kindness and connection still exist. Many people are searching for their own Bob Trevino, and for those lucky enough to have found one—congratulations. But for those who haven’t, this movie may help show you what you should be looking for.