In the heart of the indie film world, filmmaker Tracie Laymon’s debut feature, Bob Trevino Likes It, is turning heads and warming hearts. What began as a seemingly mundane act—a mistaken Facebook friend request—evolved into a powerful, healing experience that reshaped Laymon’s understanding of family, connection, and creative expression. In this remarkably bittersweet narrative, the director harnesses the unexpected bond she formed with a man who shared her father’s name to explore themes of loss, resilience, and the transformative power of kindness.
A Childhood Defined by Isolation and Creativity
Growing up in Houston, Texas, Tracie Laymon found solace in the cramped confines of her bedroom closet, which she affectionately dubbed “my office.” This tiny creative space became her sanctuary amid the turbulence of home life, where she was often forced to navigate her father’s angry outbursts and unpredictable absences. As a queer individual, Laymon later joked that she eventually “came out of that closet”—both literally and metaphorically—finding her voice through writing and, eventually, filmmaking.
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Her early years were marked by the struggle to connect with her father. Whenever Laymon attempted to discuss the issues that mattered to her, her father’s dismissive and unwelcoming responses left her feeling isolated. In a bid to bridge this emotional chasm, she turned to a shared passion: cinema. She believed that if she could capture the stories that mattered to her on film, perhaps her father would finally see her perspective and engage in a meaningful conversation. That hope, however, remained unfulfilled, leaving her to forge her own path.
The Mistaken Friend Request: A Twist of Fate
In a twist that would forever alter her journey, Laymon decided to reach out on Facebook in an effort to reconnect. Expecting to re-establish a connection with her estranged father, she sent him a friend request. To her astonishment, the request was accepted—but it turned out not to be her father at all. Instead, another man with the same name, Bob Trevino, became an unexpected and pivotal figure in her life.
In her own words, Laymon recalls, “It was kind of a shock at first because, in the moment where I thought it was him, he had access to my heart. That felt good. I needed that, so I decided to stay friends with him.” Though the encounter was initially a case of mistaken identity, the bond that developed between Laymon and this other Bob provided her with the paternal positivity she had long yearned for. In a world where her biological father had been emotionally absent, Bob Trevino’s kind words and unwavering support offered a surrogate family connection that would help heal old wounds.
From Virtual Connection to Cinematic Inspiration
Inspired by this unexpected relationship, Laymon poured her emotions and experiences into her debut film, Bob Trevino Likes It. The project is a deeply personal exploration of loneliness, healing, and the transformative power of human connection. The film weaves together elements of autobiographical storytelling with fictional narrative, creating a space where pain and humor coexist.
The film’s narrative follows the character Lily Trevino (portrayed by Barbie Ferreira, who brings both vulnerability and strength to the role) as she grapples with the complexities of familial relationships and the scars of a troubled past. Lily’s journey is punctuated by moments of raw emotion, from the shock of receiving a friend request from someone who wasn’t her father to the heartwarming annual birthday wishes from her newfound “dad.” These simple acts of kindness become lifelines, offering her the reassurance and validation she desperately needed.
John Leguizamo, who plays Lily’s newly acquired Facebook dad, infuses the role with warmth and humor. His performance, juxtaposed with French Stewart’s portrayal of Lily’s irascible biological father, creates a compelling contrast between the nurturing, supportive figure and the volatile, distant presence of her past. “A star is born in this film,” Leguizamo remarked during a US television interview, encapsulating the film’s spirit of finding light in unexpected places.
Casting and the Creative Process
Casting for Bob Trevino Likes It was an emotional journey for Laymon. In her search for the perfect embodiment of vulnerability, humor, and hopeful optimism, she found an ideal match in Barbie Ferreira. “I imagined myself when I was writing it, but when it came time to cast the lead, I was looking for someone with vulnerability, a sense of humor, kindness, and a hopeful, determined optimism,” Laymon explains. Ferreira’s portrayal of Lily Trevino captures the essence of a person who has experienced deep emotional pain yet still clings to the belief in a brighter future.
The film’s production was a labor of love, with a small cast and crew that worked closely together to bring Laymon’s vision to life. Drawing on her personal experiences—from navigating the challenges of a turbulent home life to the profound impact of that mistaken friend request—Laymon crafted a narrative that is both authentic and cathartic. “We built trust together and really made it a safe space,” she reflects. “I always had her back, and she always had mine. The truth was in the collaboration.”
Family, Loss, and Healing
For Laymon, Bob Trevino Likes It is much more than a film—it is a healing journey. Her father’s long absences and harsh treatment left deep scars, and she longed for a paternal connection that would help mend those wounds. When the unexpected connection with Bob Trevino emerged, it filled a void in her heart. “I got a happy birthday from him every single year when my dad never said it,” she recalls, highlighting how these small gestures of kindness became a cornerstone of her emotional recovery.
Though her biological father and she eventually became estranged, the healing that came from this alternative bond has had a profound impact on Laymon’s life and creative work. The film serves as both an homage to that unlikely friendship and a tribute to the resilience required to overcome a painful past. It is a story of loss, hope, and the enduring belief that kindness can spark healing, even in the most unexpected circumstances.
Critical Reception and Festival Success
Bob Trevino Likes It has already begun to attract critical acclaim. The film won both the Grand Jury Award and the Audience Award at the 2024 SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas—an achievement that speaks volumes about its emotional impact and artistic merit. At SXSW, where Laymon attended film school and interned for renowned director Richard Linklater, the film resonated deeply with audiences who appreciated its authentic portrayal of personal healing and resilience.
Critics have praised the film for its nuanced performances and the way it captures the bittersweet complexity of human relationships. “It’s an acting masterclass,” remarked one critic, referring to the rapid emotional shifts displayed by Barbie Ferreira in her role as Lily Trevino. The film’s ability to blend humor with heartfelt emotion has struck a chord with viewers, positioning it as a standout work in the indie film circuit.
Looking Ahead: Impact on Future Filmmaking
Laymon’s journey, both personal and professional, is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. Her debut film not only reflects her own healing process but also challenges conventional narratives about family and identity in modern cinema. As a queer filmmaker who has navigated the challenges of a difficult upbringing and the complexities of familial relationships, Laymon brings a unique perspective that enriches her storytelling.
Bob Trevino Likes It opens up new avenues for filmmakers to explore themes of identity, loss, and recovery with authenticity and empathy. By sharing her story, Laymon hopes to inspire others to embrace their own journeys, no matter how unconventional or painful they may be. Her work is a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected connections can lead to profound personal growth and transformation.
Conclusion: A Remarkable Tale of Unexpected Healing
In Bob Trevino Likes It, Tracie Laymon transforms a mistaken Facebook friend request into a powerful narrative of healing and hope. The film is a celebration of the unexpected bonds that can emerge in the digital age—bonds that offer comfort, support, and a path toward reconciliation with a painful past. With standout performances from Barbie Ferreira and John Leguizamo, and a deeply personal story at its core, the film has already won accolades at SXSW and is poised to resonate with audiences far and wide.
Laymon’s story is a poignant reminder that even amidst loss and adversity, the human spirit has an incredible capacity to heal and grow. By embracing the kindness of a stranger who inadvertently became a surrogate father figure, she found a way to mend old wounds and reclaim her narrative. As the film continues to garner attention, it stands as an enduring tribute to the transformative power of unexpected connections.
