The upcoming drama Rosemead, starring Lucy Liu, hits theaters on December 5. The exclusive trailer reveals Liu portraying Irene, a mother grappling with her teenage son's schizophrenia diagnosis. The film is directed by Eric Lin and adapted by Marilyn Fu from a 2017 Los Angeles Times article by Frank Shyong.
Audiences see Liu in a deeply emotional and transformative role. As Irene, she plays a terminally ill woman facing heartbreaking decisions to protect her son, Joe, portrayed by Lawrence Shou. Since its debut at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, Liu’s performance has earned her numerous festival accolades.
Based on a true story, the film sheds light on the strained yet profound bond between a mother and her son, capturing the difficult realities of mental illness within an immigrant family. The Times piece that inspired the film told of a mother making an unthinkable choice in the face of her child's suffering.
"This isn't going to just go away like some cold. He needs to learn to live with it. You both do."
Director Eric Lin brings a restrained yet emotional tone to the screen, emphasizing empathy and humanity. Through its quiet intensity, Rosemead tells a story of love, despair, and sacrifice that challenges audiences’ perceptions of strength and parenthood.
Author’s summary: The film Rosemead features Lucy Liu in a powerful portrayal of maternal love and loss, exploring the limits of sacrifice in the face of mental illness.