Bob Trevino Likes It is a tender story based on the real life of director Tracie Layman, in which Lily Trevino’s repugnant father cuts off communication with her after she fails as his wingman. In an attempt to reach him, she accidentally forms an unconventional bond with a man on Facebook because his name is also Bob Trevino. Barbie Ferreira and John Leguizamo starred in and produced the film, and they have a touching chemistry, which is evident even just over text in the beginning of their journey together. John Leguizamo plays the titular Bob Trevino, not the repugnant father.
Speaking to Tracie Layman over Zoom, she was infectiously excited about the film and told me that she hopes audiences will leave the cinema believing there is a “little bit more good in the world.” Bob’s easy friendship with Lily, despite her personal issues, does exactly that.
Where Leguizamo really shines is when Bob opens up to Lily about his own issues at home, deepening their unusual friendship. Ferreira and Leguizamo’s chemistry cannot be overlooked. They perfectly portray two puzzle pieces coming together: a woman who needs a father figure and a man who longs to be one. Each actor is a master of their respective roles, with John Leguizamo’s reassuring looks making you want to climb into the screen to hug him, and Barbie Ferreira delivering ugly cries like no one else could.
Director Tracie Layman
Tracie describes the relationships between the cast and crew as “like a family,” and that connection was especially clear when she spoke about John Leguizamo and Barbie Ferreira. She told me that she messages John every day to tell him about interviews she’s done and reviews the film receives.
On casting Barbie Ferreira, she said she watched a scene of Ferreira in Euphoria, filmed it on her phone and said, “That’s her, that’s Lily,” and would stop at nothing to get her involved.
When I asked why she wanted to translate her story to the screen, she replied that she felt it “needed to be told” and never had real doubts about sharing it. She couldn’t have made the film any earlier or later, saying, “It’s better to tell stories about scars, not wounds,” which helped her portray herself with clarity and honesty.
Although for Tracie it may have been the perfect time to make Bob Trevino Likes It, production hit a roadblock as the writers’ strike began on their first day of shooting. Luckily, the film was developed independently without involvement from major studios, so they received a waiver to continue shooting. They still lost a day of production, which can be a serious problem for indie filmmaking. However, Tracie said that the setback only made them stronger and more determined, ultimately bringing them closer together as a crew.
Tracie comes across as truly passionate about her movie and the people she worked with. Despite roadblocks and the omnipresent struggles of indie filmmaking, she even sprouted a grey hair as a result, which she calls her “Bob Trevino hair.” She is clearly proud of her work and her ability to tell a story so close to her heart.
Bob Trevino Likes It maintains a harmony between comedy and tragedy, leaving me wondering whether a scene will make me laugh or cry. Instead of causing emotional whiplash, as often happens, Ferreira and Leguizamo nurture an equally hilarious and devastating experience with help from an excellent script. Such an emotional story is strengthened by the fact that it is based on Tracie’s real life, ensuring that there wasn’t a dry eye in the theatre.