Movie of the Day: Bob Trevino Likes It (2024) by Tracie Laymon

Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/au/movie/bob-trevino-likes-it (Australia)

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28613536/

Link Review: https://variety.com/2025/film/reviews/bob-trevino-likes-it-review-barbie-ferreira-john-leguizamo-1236344533/

About movie: https://www.bobtrevinolikesit.com/

"Bob Trevino Likes It (2024)" by Tracie Laymon: A Story of Connection, Kindness, and Chosen Family

"Bob Trevino Likes It," a 2024 comedy-drama written and directed by Tracie Laymon, is a deeply personal and heartwarming film inspired by the filmmaker's own experiences. It explores the unexpected bond forged between a young woman and a stranger online who shares the same name as her estranged father, highlighting the transformative power of human connection and the concept of chosen family.

Detailed Summary

The film centers on Lily Trevino (Barbie Ferreira), a young woman grappling with the emotional void left by her self-centered and absent father, Robert Trevino (French Stewart). In an attempt to reconnect or perhaps understand him, Lily searches for her father on Facebook. Instead, she discovers and inadvertently connects with a different Bob Trevino (John Leguizamo), a kind-hearted, middle-aged construction worker in a seemingly stable marriage. What begins as a simple online interaction based on a shared name blossoms into a profound and life-changing friendship. This new Bob Trevino provides Lily with the encouragement, support, and unconditional positive regard she never received from her biological father. The relationship evolves from online "likes" and messages to in-person meetings, forming a surrogate father-daughter bond that helps Lily confront her past trauma and embark on a journey of healing and self-acceptance. The film is a tender exploration of the impact of small acts of kindness and the idea that meaningful familial connections can be found in the most unexpected places.

Plot Summary

Lily Trevino, struggling with her estranged father, accidentally connects online with a kind stranger named Bob Trevino. Their online friendship evolves into a meaningful surrogate father-daughter relationship that helps Lily heal from past trauma and find the support system she needs.

Director's Vision

Tracie Laymon drew direct inspiration from her own life for "Bob Trevino Likes It," using her emotional truth from an unexpected online connection to craft a fictional narrative. Her vision was to create a film that serves as a "love letter to the little things that save us" and emphasizes that small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on others. Laymon aimed to tell an authentic and uplifting story about the power of human connection and chosen family, particularly in a world that can feel dark and divisive. She focused on casting actors who had the right "hearts" for the roles, prioritizing genuine emotional resonance over conventional casting lists. Laymon also sought to explore themes like self-abandonment and the process of healing from trauma through the protagonist's journey, presenting her not as a victim but as a survivor.

Themes

• Chosen Family: The film highlights the idea that meaningful familial bonds are not solely defined by blood but can be found and built with individuals who offer love and support.

• The Power of Kindness: Small, seemingly insignificant acts of kindness are shown to have a transformative and life-changing impact on the recipient.

• Healing from Trauma: The narrative explores the process of confronting past emotional trauma, particularly related to parental relationships, and finding pathways to healing and self-acceptance.

• Human Connection in the Digital Age: The film examines how genuine and impactful relationships can originate and develop through online interactions.

• Identity and Self-Worth: The protagonist's journey involves grappling with her sense of self-worth, which has been affected by her relationship with her biological father, and learning to value herself.

Key Success Factors

"Bob Trevino Likes It" has achieved significant success, particularly within the film festival circuit and with audiences. Key success factors include:

• Authentic and Heartfelt Story: The film's basis in the director's true story and its sincere emotional core have resonated strongly with viewers.

• Exceptional Lead Performances: The pairing of Barbie Ferreira and John Leguizamo has been widely praised, with their chemistry and nuanced portrayals driving the film's emotional impact.

• Positive Message: In a cynical world, the film's focus on kindness, connection, and hope has been a significant draw for audiences.

• Strong Festival Reception: Winning both the Grand Jury Award and Audience Award at a major festival like SXSW, along with numerous other audience awards, demonstrates the film's broad appeal and ability to connect with diverse viewers.

• Relatable Themes: The film's exploration of difficult family relationships and the search for belonging are themes that many viewers can relate to on a personal level.

Summary Short

Inspired by a true story, "Bob Trevino Likes It (2024)" by Tracie Laymon is a heartfelt comedy-drama about a young woman who, searching for her estranged father online, befriends a kind stranger with the same name, leading to a powerful surrogate father-daughter bond and a journey of healing.

Awards and Nominations

"Bob Trevino Likes It (2024)" has received substantial recognition, accumulating 26 wins and 13 nominations according to IMDb. Major awards include:

• SXSW Film Festival 2024: Narrative Feature Grand Jury Award and Narrative Feature Audience Award.

• Numerous Audience Awards at various film festivals: Including Calgary, Denver, Mill Valley, Nashville, New Hampshire, Tallgrass, Valladolid, and Virginia Film Festivals.

• Acting Awards: John Leguizamo won an acting award at the Newport Beach Film Festival, and Barbie Ferreira and French Stewart received acting awards at the Rome International Film Festival.

• Whistler Film Festival: EDA Award for Best Female Directed Feature (presented by the Alliance of Women Film Journalists).

• San Diego International Film Festival: Best Feature Film Award.

Critics Reception

"Bob Trevino Likes It" has received overwhelmingly positive critical reception, particularly for an independent film.

• Rotten Tomatoes: The film holds a "Certified Fresh" rating of 95% based on 57 critic reviews, with an impressive average rating of 8/10. The consensus highlights the film's "humane power" drawn from the lead performances and calls it a "very likable movie."

• Metacritic: Assigned a weighted average score of 71 out of 100 based on 17 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews."

• CinemaScore: Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an outstanding "A+" grade.

• The Austin Chronicle (Kimberley Jones): Described the film as "very sweet and very sincere," praising Laymon for hitting "pay dirt with her two leads" and calling Ferreira "simply radiant" and Leguizamo "a marvel of restraint and sensitivity." Noted that while "overly conventional," the film is "bursting with compassion."

• Filmmaker Magazine (Tracie Laymon interview): Discussed the film's authenticity and heart translating well to audiences and the perceived need for such a hopeful story in the current zeitgeist.

• Salt Lake Film Review: Called the film a "Lovely Tribute to the Power of Human Connection," an "emotionally intelligent, wondrously authentic and deeply heartfelt story," and an "expertly crafted character study." Praised the performances and the script's understanding of pacing and character development.

• Script Magazine (Tracie Laymon interview): Discussed the film's exploration of self-abandonment and healing and Laymon's commitment to telling authentic and uplifting stories.

• The Hollywood Reporter (Angie Han): Said the film "draws its emotional power not from watching its characters break, but from letting them start to heal" and "succeeds beautifully on its own terms as a love letter, or perhaps a thank you note," though noted the ease with which the bond forms as a minor point.

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critics widely praised "Bob Trevino Likes It" for its genuine emotion, compelling performances (especially from Barbie Ferreira and John Leguizamo), and its heartwarming message about the importance of human connection and chosen family. While some noted the film's conventional structure, its sincerity, authenticity derived from its true-story inspiration, and ability to deeply move audiences were consistently highlighted as its greatest strengths. The film is seen as a powerful and uplifting dramedy that resonates on a personal level.

Reviews

Reviews from numerous outlets like The Austin Chronicle, Salt Lake Film Review, and The Hollywood Reporter, along with the high aggregate scores on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic and the A+ CinemaScore, indicate a strong positive reception for "Bob Trevino Likes It." Reviewers consistently lauded the lead actors' chemistry and performances, the film's heartfelt narrative, and its ability to evoke genuine emotion in the audience, often leading to tears. The film is seen as a successful example of sincere storytelling that finds profound meaning in everyday connections.

Box Office

"Bob Trevino Likes It (2024)" had a limited theatrical release in the United States. As of the available information, its reported worldwide box office gross is approximately $551,110, with a US & Canada gross of around $478,951 from its initial limited run. These figures are typical for an independent film with a targeted theatrical release.

Production

"Bob Trevino Likes It (2024)" was written and directed by Tracie Laymon and inspired by her personal experiences. The film was produced by Laymon's Terms, Five By Eight Productions, and Purple Intuition. Filming took place in Louisville and other locations in Kentucky in 2023. The independent nature of the production allowed it to continue filming during the Hollywood labor disputes at the time. Tracie Laymon also served as a producer on the film, alongside Sean Mullin, Edgar Rosa, and Felipe Dieppa. The film has a runtime of 102 minutes.

Production Companies

• Laymon's Terms: (Country: United States) - Production company.

• Five By Eight Productions: (Country: United States) - Production company.

• Purple Intuition: (Country: United States) - Production company.

Sales Companies

Information regarding specific sales companies for "Bob Trevino Likes It (2024)" is not widely available in the public domain, though Roadside Attractions acquired US distribution rights.

Distribution Companies

• Roadside Attractions: (Country: United States) - Distributed the film in select theaters in the United States.

Theatrical Release

"Bob Trevino Likes It (2024)" had its World Premiere at the SXSW Film Festival on March 9, 2024. It received a limited theatrical release in the United States starting on March 21, 2025, with an expansion to more theaters on March 28, 2025. The film also screened at numerous other film festivals internationally in 2024.

Why to Recommend This Movie

• Heartwarming and Emotionally Resonant: The film is a powerful exploration of human connection that is likely to deeply move viewers and bring them to tears.

• Outstanding Performances: The lead actors, Barbie Ferreira and John Leguizamo, deliver performances that are widely praised for their authenticity and emotional depth.

• Positive and Hopeful Message: In a time of cynicism, the film offers a much-needed message about the impact of kindness and the strength of chosen family.

Why to Watch Movie

• Experience a True Story Brought to Life: The film's basis in the director's personal experience adds a layer of authenticity and emotional weight.

• See a Powerful Actor Pairing: The dynamic between Barbie Ferreira and John Leguizamo is a highlight of the film and a compelling reason to watch.

• Feel-Good and Inspiring Cinema: If you're looking for a film that will leave you feeling uplifted and reminded of the good that exists in the world, this movie fits the bill.

What Movie Trend film is following

The film aligns with the trend of dramadies based on personal or true stories, which leverage authentic experiences to create relatable and emotionally impactful narratives. It also fits within the trend of independent films gaining traction and awards through the film festival circuit, demonstrating their ability to connect with audiences and critics outside of the mainstream studio system.

What Big Social Trend is following

The movie taps into the significant social trend around the increasing recognition and acceptance of diverse family structures, including chosen families, highlighting that meaningful support systems can extend beyond biological ties. It also touches on the impact of online connections and relationships in modern life and the universal experience of dealing with family dysfunction and seeking emotional healing.

Final Verdict

"Bob Trevino Likes It (2024)" is a genuinely moving and wonderfully acted film that stands out as a testament to the power of human connection and the beauty of finding family in unexpected places. Tracie Laymon's personal story provides an authentic foundation, and the exceptional performances by Barbie Ferreira and John Leguizamo bring the heartfelt narrative to life with grace and emotional depth. While it may employ some conventional storytelling elements, the film's sincerity, humor, and ability to profoundly impact audiences have rightfully earned it significant acclaim and numerous awards on the festival circuit. It's a deeply affecting dramedy that offers a hopeful and much-needed message, making it a highly recommended watch for anyone seeking a film with a big heart and powerful performances.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

• Embrace Your Personal Truths: Authentic stories, even those based on difficult experiences, can resonate deeply with audiences and provide a powerful foundation for filmmaking.

• Prioritize Character and Performance: Investing in strong casting and allowing actors the space to bring nuance and emotional honesty to their roles can elevate the entire film, particularly in character-driven narratives.

• Utilize the Festival Circuit: Film festivals can be invaluable platforms for independent films to gain exposure, critical attention, and audience recognition, which can lead to broader distribution opportunities.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Support Films with Strong Emotional Cores: Recognize the audience appetite for films that are genuinely moving and explore relatable human experiences, regardless of genre.

• Champion Diverse Voices and Stories: Continue to seek out and support filmmakers like Tracie Laymon who bring unique perspectives and personal stories to the screen.

• Value Audience Reception: Pay attention to films that receive strong audience awards and positive word-of-mouth at festivals, as this can be a strong indicator of their potential to connect with a wider public.