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‘Bob Trevino Likes It’: A Heartland Story of Chosen Family and Digital Connection Premieres in Iowa
Table of Contents
- 1. ‘Bob Trevino Likes It’: A Heartland Story of Chosen Family and Digital Connection Premieres in Iowa
- 2. thematic Depth and Character Dynamics
- 3. What resonated most with you about the themes discussed in “bob Trevino Likes It?” Share your thoughts and start a conversation
- 4. Interview with Edgar Rosa: Exploring Family and Connection in “Bob Trevino Likes It”
- 5. Roots in the Heartland
- 6. The Allure of Online connection
- 7. Emotional Resonance and Collaboration
- 8. small Acts, Big Impact
- 9. Looking Ahead
april 5, 2025
The new film “Bob Trevino likes It,” co-produced by Iowa-raised Edgar Rosa, explores the complexities of family, the allure of online connection, and the search for belonging in the digital age. Set against the backdrop of small-town America, the film offers a poignant commentary on modern relationships and the impact of social media on our emotional well-being.
What constitutes family in the 21st century? Is it solely defined by blood, or can it be found in the connections we forge, both online and offline? These are the questions at the heart of “Bob Trevino Likes It,” a new comedy-drama co-produced by Edgar Rosa, an Iowa native with deep roots in the performing arts. The film, directed by Tracie Laymon and co-produced by sean mullin, is generating buzz for its insightful portrayal of contemporary relationships and the frequently enough-turbulent journey to self-discovery.
Rosa’s journey into the world of film began in Des Moines, where he immersed himself in the local arts scene.From his early involvement with the Des Moines Playhouse to his participation in the Heartland Youth Choir and school drama productions, Rosa found a sense of belonging and purpose in the creative community.
“a second home” for Rosa, these artistic communities nurtured his passion and ultimately lead him to pursue film production. After studying at Emerson and earning a Master’s degree in producing in Los Angeles, Rosa returned to his Heartland roots to witness the Iowa premiere of “Bob Trevino Likes It.”
The film stars Barbie Ferreira as Lily Trevino, a young woman grappling with an emotionally distant and unreliable father, Bob (French Stewart). When Bob abruptly cuts off contact, Lily turns to the internet for solace and connection. She stumbles upon “Bob Trevino” (John Leguizamo), another man online, and mistakes him for her father, initiating a digital correspondence that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy.Lily starts an online correspondence with this new Bob (John Leguizamo). In the midst of new Bob’s digital benevolence, liking her posts and commenting on how good a daughter she must be, Lily finds herself buying into a fantasy: maybe she can quite literally choose her own family.
The film explores how social media can be both a source of comfort and a breeding ground for illusion, particularly for young adults navigating complex family dynamics. Lily’s online interactions highlight the human need for validation and the lengths to which individuals will go to find it, even in the virtual world.
“She’s screaming into the void! No one even likes her posts!” Bob exclaims in the movie, capturing the sometiems desperate nature of online interactions.
The movie resonates by deftly juxtaposing comedic moments with profound emotional truths and reminding us that the search for connection is a universal human experience.
thematic Depth and Character Dynamics
Rosa emphasizes the emotional resonance of the film, noting its exploration of therapy, trauma, and healing.“The script was astonishing. I bawled my eyes out like four or five times after just reading it,” Rosa said. “It was very much in line with how I perceive the world, therapy, trauma and how to heal.”
Director laymon highlights the importance of small acts of kindness, particularly in tight-knit communities. “Sometimes we think our small acts of kindness don’t matter in our ‘small’ everyday lives, but thay do. Weather we’re holding the door open for a stranger at the store or saying something kind to a stranger online … we do have the power to make a difference in the whole world, no matter how small our towns or communities.”
The film also explores the theme of loneliness, not just in Lily’s life, but within the supporting cast as well. Bob’s wife, jeanie (Rachel Bay Jones), is coping with the grief of losing her son, while Lily’s roommate, Daphne (Lolo Spencer), struggles with her own emotional needs.
“The secondary story that’s equally as stunning is the evolution of Daphne. Seeing how that friendship with Daphne grows alongside Lily’s
Interview with Edgar Rosa: Exploring Family and Connection in “Bob Trevino Likes It”
April 5, 2025
Archyde News Service had the pleasure of speaking with Edgar Rosa, co-producer of the new film “Bob Trevino Likes It,” a heartwarming story set against the backdrop of the American heartland. Edgar, an Iowa native, shared insights into the film’s themes and his journey in the film industry.
Roots in the Heartland
Archyde: Edgar, welcome! It’s wonderful to speak with you. Your roots in Iowa seem to have profoundly influenced your career. Can you tell us about how your experiences growing up in des Moines shaped your passion for the performing arts and, ultimately, film production?
Rosa: Thank you for having me. Growing up in des Moines, I found a real sense of community through the arts. The Des Moines Playhouse, the Heartland Youth Choir – these were like a second home. They gave me a space to belong and express myself, and that early exposure really sparked my love for storytelling. It made me wont to create these kinds of experiences for others.
The Allure of Online connection
Archyde: “Bob Trevino Likes It” delves into the complexities of modern relationships and the impact of the internet on connection.What inspired you to explore these themes, especially the blurring lines between online and offline identity, as portrayed in the film through Lily’s journey?
Rosa: We live in a world where our digital lives are so intertwined with our real ones. We see this especially with the youth.The script really resonated with that duality and the way people reach out for connection. We wanted to explore how easy it is to seek validation online, and how sometimes, that search can lead you down unexpectedly emotional paths.Lily’s story is about finding connection and about the danger of misinterpreting what we see online.
Emotional Resonance and Collaboration
Archyde: The film has been praised for its emotional depth, with layered characters and themes of therapy, loneliness, and healing. Can you discuss the collaborative process that brought these important themes to life, especially with Director Tracie Laymon and co-producer Sean mullin?
Rosa: It was a true collaboration. The script was the foundation – it’s the kind of writing that really grabs your heart. Working with Tracie and Sean was amazing. Their vision, combined with the amazing performances from Barbie Ferreira, John Leguizamo, and the rest of the cast, really intensified the emotions. We all wanted to create something authentic and to tell a story that would resonate with people on a deep level.
small Acts, Big Impact
Archyde: Tracie Laymon mentioned the importance of small acts of kindness within a close-knit community.How does this idea play out in “Bob Trevino Likes It,” and how does the film highlight the power of positive interactions,whether online or in-person?
Rosa: The film emphasizes the simple acts as a positive influence in society,as small as they may appear. Whether it’s a heartfelt comment online, or offering a helping hand, or being the door for someone going into a building, these micro moments are a huge deal.This is reflected across the supporting cast, whether it is Bob’s wife grieving for a lost son, or Lily’s roommate struggling with emotional needs. these moments build our communities. That kindness is crucial, and it can change the world around you, even in the smallest of ways.
Looking Ahead
Archyde: What do you hope audiences will take away from “Bob Trevino Likes It”? What message do you hope the film conveys about family, connection, and self-discovery?
Rosa: I hope audiences will understand that family isn’t always defined by blood; it can be the family you choose. I want people to recognize the impact they make when they do something positive, and how critically important those moments are, even if they seem small. I hope “Bob Trevino Likes It” reminds people that the search for connection is a universal experience, and that it’s okay to seek support and validation.
And, it’s okay to get those likes.
Archyde: Thank you so much for your time, Edgar. “Bob Trevino Likes It” sounds like a truly thought-provoking film, and we wish you all the best with its release.
Rosa: Thank you for having me!
Archyde: Readers, what resonated most with you about the themes discussed in “Bob trevino Likes It?” Share your thoughts and start a conversation.
