Bob Trevino Likes It is, without question, one of the best movies I’ve seen this year. Written and directed by Tracie Laymon in her feature debut, this indie gem takes a seemingly simple premise (based on a true story) and transforms it into a profound exploration of human connection, healing, and the unexpected beauty of found family. It’s a film that sneaks up on you, wrapping you in its warmth before delivering a heartfelt punch that lingers long after the lights come up.
At the heart of this triumph is Barbie Ferreira, whose performance as Lily Trevino is nothing short of revelatory. Ferreira brings a raw, unguarded vulnerability to the role of a young woman grappling with abandonment and a desperate need for love. Her portrayal is a masterclass in balancing resilience with deep-seated pain, making Lily a character you can’t help but root for. Every tear she sheds—and there are many—feels earned, and by the end of the movie, I don’t think there was a single woman in the theater who wasn’t crying. I saw tissues whip out left and right, a testament to Ferreira’s ability to connect with the audience on a instinctive level.
John Leguizamo, as the titular Bob Trevino, is equally fantastic, delivering a performance that radiates quiet strength and compassion. His Bob is a gentle soul, a construction worker carrying his own unspoken grief, who finds purpose in the unlikely friendship that blossoms with Lily. The chemistry between Ferreira and Leguizamo is electric yet understated, grounding the film in a sincerity that never feels forced. Their scenes together—whether sharing a sarcastic quip or a tender moment of understanding—are the beating heart of the movie, showcasing two actors at the top of their game.
What sets Bob Trevino Likes It apart is its fearless embrace of emotion without tipping into melodrama. Laymon’s script, inspired by her own life, walks a tightrope between humor and heartache with remarkable grace. The film finds laughter in the absurdity of Lily friending a stranger with her father’s name on Facebook, only to uncover a bond that fills the void left by her biological family. It’s a modern fairy tale of sorts, but one grounded in the messy, beautiful reality of human relationships.
The pacing is another strength, unfolding at a rhythm that allows each character to breathe and grow. There’s no rush to the resolution, no contrived plot twists to force the narrative along. Instead, Laymon trusts her actors and her story, letting small, meaningful moments—like Bob and Lily visiting an animal shelter—build to a crescendo of feeling.
For all its emotional heft, Bob Trevino Likes It never loses sight of hope. It’s a film that believes in the power of kindness, in the idea that even the most broken among us can find solace in one another. This optimism isn’t naive; it’s hard-won, making the film’s uplifting message all the more powerful. In a year filled with cynicism, this movie stands out as a beacon of light, reminding us of the good that can come from opening our hearts. As the credits rolled, the theater was a symphony of sniffles and soft gasps, people dabbing at their eyes with crumpled tissues. It’s rare to see a film unite viewers in such a shared emotional experience, but Bob Trevino Likes It does so effortlessly. It’s the kind of movie that sparks conversations, that you want to recommend to everyone you know just to see their reaction.
Bob Trevino Likes It, is out now at Luna Palace Cinemas.
Email:neill@outloudculture.com
