REVIEW: Bob Trevino Likes It | Indie Film
- Jenna Cockburn
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
In the absence of love, she found connection.
"honest, heartfelt storytelling."
I went into Bob Trevino Likes It without knowing too much, and I’m so glad I did, because it absolutely floored me in the most gentle, quietly powerful way. This is one of those films that sneaks up on you emotionally. It’s soft and slow at times, but by the end you realise it’s cracked you open a bit, and honestly, I think that’s the point.
The story centres around Lily Trevino, played by Barbie Ferreira (who’s honestly phenomenal in this), and it’s based on the real experiences of the film’s writer and director Tracie Laymon. Lily’s in the thick of it - navigating grief, family trauma, and trying to recover from years of emotional neglect by her father. She’s vulnerable, raw, and you can feel the weight of everything she’s carrying from the first few scenes. It’s painful to watch in parts, but never in a way that feels forced. It’s just… real.
Then in walks Bob Trevino - a different Bob Trevino, played by John Leguizamo - who she finds on Facebook. And what starts as a random online connection grows into this deeply meaningful friendship. Sounds strange, right? But it’s not. It’s honestly one of the most beautiful representations of chosen family I’ve seen in a long time.
Their bond feels natural. There’s no big Hollywood-style moment, no dramatic twist - it’s just two people finding comfort in each other when they need it most. And that felt so refreshing. The internet can be a hellhole, but it also has the power to bring people together in unexpected, life-changing ways. This film captures that so well.
Leguizamo brings so much warmth and kindness to the role. He’s the kind of person you want to be your dad, or your mentor, or just someone who sends you a message when you’re having a rubbish day. And Barbie Ferreira nails the vulnerability of someone who wants to believe she’s worthy of love and support, even when she’s been conditioned to think otherwise.
It’s slow in places, but I didn’t mind that. The pace suits the story. It’s not about plot twists, it’s about connection, healing, and the quiet power of being truly seen by someone. And yeah, I cried. A few times.
Honestly, Bob Trevino Likes It is one of those films that makes you sit with your feelings afterwards. If you’ve ever felt let down by your own family or struggled with feeling unseen - this one will speak to you. It’s not flashy. It’s not trying to be something it’s not. It’s just honest, heartfelt storytelling, and I loved it for that.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
BOB TREVINO LIKES IT will be available on Digital Download from 26th May.
FILM DETAILS
Digital Release: 26th May 2025
TL;DR: When lonely 20-something Lily Trevino accidentally befriends a stranger online who shares the same name as her own self-centered father, encouragement and support from this new Bob Trevino could change her life.
Director: Tracie Laymon
Cast: Barbie Ferreira, John Leguizamo, French Stewart, Lauren "Lolo" Spencer, Rachel Bay Jones
Genres: Comedy, Drama
Run time: 101 Minutes
Cert: 12
📸 Strike Media Ltd
