Lucy Liu Wows in Emotional 'Rosemead' Trailer
Exclusive Look at the Film
The new drama Rosemead, starring Lucy Liu, will arrive in theaters on December 5. PEOPLE has released an exclusive trailer revealing Liu as Irene, a mother facing immense emotional turmoil after her teenage son is diagnosed with schizophrenia.
True Story Behind the Film
Directed by Eric Lin and adapted by Marilyn Fu, the movie is based on a real story first reported in a 2017 Los Angeles Times article by Frank Shyong. It portrays the complex relationship between a terminally ill Chinese American mother and her son, exploring love, despair, and sacrifice.
Lucy Liu’s Transformative Role
In Rosemead, Liu, 56, delivers one of her most powerful performances to date. Since its premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, she has received multiple awards for her portrayal of Irene—a woman determined to protect her struggling son, Joe, played by Lawrence Shou.
An “ailing woman who takes drastic measures to protect her troubled teenage son,” reads the official synopsis. “As his dark obsessions grow and time runs out, she is forced to make impossible choices: how far will she go, and what is she willing to sacrifice?”
Emotional Moments from the Trailer
The trailer captures the devastating reality of mental illness, with one particularly poignant scene featuring a doctor’s warning:
“This isn't going to just go away like some cold. He needs to learn to live with it. You both do.”
Author’s Summary
Lucy Liu delivers a career-defining performance in Rosemead, a powerful drama about maternal love, sacrifice, and the emotional weight of living with mental illness.