‘Bob Trevino Likes It‘ is A Heartfelt and Brilliant Exploration of Platonic Friendship in Theaters Now from Roadside Attractions.
In an age dominated by prequels, sequels, and requels, ‘Bob Trevino Likes It‘ rises above the noise to offer something refreshingly original and profoundly moving. This film, helmed by the incredible Tracie Laymon, is a masterclass in storytelling, emotional depth, and the power of human connection. It stands as one of the most heartfelt cinematic experiences in recent memory, earning every bit of its thirteen film festival audience awards.
At the heart of ‘Bob Trevino Likes It‘ is an unlikely and deeply human, plutonic bond between two lonely souls. Lily Trevino, brilliantly portrayed by Barbie Ferreira, is a character so real, so full of raw emotion, that it’s impossible not to be drawn into her journey. Ferreira’s performance is nothing short of mesmerizing. In fact, she inhabits Lily with such authenticity that even though I knew I was watching a performance, I still wanted to reach through the screen,
hug her, and cry with her. Ferreira’s portrayal transcends the screen, tapping into a deep reservoir of empathy and vulnerability that makes Lily’s pain, joy, and growth feel incredibly personal.
John Leguizamo gives his best performance to date as Bob Trevino, a man whose life is shaped by years of quiet sacrifice and unspoken loneliness. Bob’s
relationship with his wife, Jeanie (Rachel Bay Jones), is tender and full of quiet longing, a subtle but powerful exploration of love and loss as they cope with having lost their infant son many years ago. Leguizamo’s portrayal of Bob is filled with nuance and heart, and his chemistry with Ferreira is magical. Their connection is the soul of the film, and it’s a joy to watch them navigate the unexpected but transformative friendship shared between them.
What truly sets ‘Bob Trevino Likes It‘ apart is its commitment to depicting a genuine, platonic friendship between its central characters. In a world where most films lean heavily on romantic tension or sexual dynamics, this film offers something incredibly refreshing: a deep, loving, and completely non-romantic connection between two people. Lily and Bob’s friendship doesn’t rely on chemistry or attraction—it is grounded in mutual understanding, shared loneliness, and a deep-seated need for human connection. This rare portrayal of pure, platonic love feels like a balm for an overly romanticized film industry, and it’s one of the reasons why the film resonates so deeply.
Jones delivers a quietly moving performance, whose struggle with grief and loss is portrayed with such tenderness that it will linger long after the credits roll. Her character’s journey toward healing is heartbreaking, and her moments with Leguizamo are rich with unspoken emotion. French Stewart also shines as Lily’s father, Robert, a self-centered and emotionally distant figure who, through Stewart’s impeccable performance, becomes the kind of character you just want to soccer kick in the face. Stewart’s ability to make Robert both deeply flawed and, at times, infuriatingly manipulative makes his presence in the film unforgettable.
Lauren “Lolo” Spencer’s role as Daphne, Lily’s supportive friend is especially notable because the character is not reduced to a token representation of disability. Instead, Daphne is fully realized, a strong and independent woman who, though living with a disability, is no less important or valuable than any of the other characters. This thoughtful representation is a rare and appreciated gift in cinema.
‘Bob Trevino Likes It‘ is a testament to the enduring power of friendship, and Tracie Laymon’s writing and direction is absolutely brilliant. Laymon, who drew inspiration from a real-life encounter with a stranger while searching for her father online, expertly weaves together moments of humor, heartache, and hope, creating a film that is universal in our longing for connect, especially for those who suffered with an emotional distant parent. The film’s ability to bridge the generational gap through its exploration of a platonic relationship is a reminder that true friendship can transcend age, background, and circumstance.
In a world where familial connections are often complicated and strained, ‘Bob Trevino Likes It‘ reminds us that the family we need doesn’t always have to be in your bloodline.
‘Bob Trevino Likes It‘ is in theaters now.
Summary
‘Bob Trevino Likes It‘ is a near perfect film that reminds us that love, in its many forms, is the greatest connector, and that sometimes, the people we have known for the least amount of time can impact our lives for decades to come.
