Bob Trevino Likes It Parent Guide

Lily Trevino (Barbie Ferreira) is a nice girl. In fact, she’s so nice she’s incapable of hurting anyone. Not her cheating boyfriend, not her narcissistic father, and not even the printers destined to be smashed up in a rage room.

Abandoned by her drug addicted mother at age four, Lily was raised by her father, Bob (French Stewart), who treats her with such callous disregard that she doesn’t think her feelings or needs have any merit. When Bob refuses to speak to her after an innocent faux pas, Lily sends him a friend request on Facebook. She’s delighted when he accepts, but then learns that this Bob Trevino isn’t her dad: he’s a man with the same name who lives an hour away.

Unexpectedly, Lily and Bob continue to interact online, eventually becoming real world friends. Wounded by his own painful experiences, Bob is sensitive enough to see not only Lily’s neediness, but also her kindness, enthusiasm, sincerity, and optimism. He responds with compassion, offering her the acceptance, approval, and practical guidance lacking in her relationship with her biological father.

Bob Trevino Likes It is a character drama, which means it lives or dies based on the talents of its cast. And they are dazzling. I can’t say enough about Barbie Ferreira’s performance as Lily. You can actually see her erasing her own pain, swallowing her own hurt as she tries desperately to win the love and attention of people who don’t see or value her. It’s agonizing. And her irrepressible optimism and kindness feels nothing short of miraculous. French Stewart, as her father may be the most convincing narcissist I’ve ever seen on film. His arid selfishness drives him to gaslight his daughter, manipulate her, and treat her transactionally, while starving her of love or affection. But Stewart doesn’t make his character a straight up monster; he’s also damaged and lonely, a situation that will only worsen thanks to his self defeating behaviors. Into this toxic situation, John Leguizamo brings solid decency as Lily’s friend Bob. This is a man who’s been hurt by life, but who hasn’t given up and retains his curiosity, goodness, and vulnerability. The film also has an outstanding supporting cast, making this a big winner for anyone who likes high quality acting.

Fans of thoughtful, quiet films will find lots to love in this tender story, and few things to dislike. Yes, there were some moments where Lily’s behavior made me cringe. And, yes, I wanted to smack her dad more than once (and I’m not a violent person!). But the negative content is minor – a little bit of profanity, some low level violence – and the positive messages are significant. The power of one person to change someone’s life is a message that never grows old. And the benefits of empathy, compassion, and basic decency can’t ever get too much screentime. Here’s hoping more people take the time to watch.