Lucy Liu Wows in Emotional 'Rosemead' Trailer: 'Audiences Have Never Seen Her in a Role Like This' (Exclusive)

Lucy Liu Wows in Emotional ‘Rosemead’ Trailer

Rosemead, starring Lucy Liu, opens in theaters on December 5. PEOPLE presents an exclusive trailer revealing the actress as Irene, a mother grappling with her teenage son’s schizophrenia diagnosis.

Story Background and Production

Directed by Eric Lin and adapted by Marilyn Fu from a 2017 Los Angeles Times article, the film tells a true story of a Chinese American mother and son. Liu, 56, portrays Irene, while Lawrence Shou plays her son Joe.

Plot Synopsis

Irene is described as an “ailing woman who takes drastic measures to protect her troubled teenage son.” As Joe’s dark obsessions intensify, time becomes critical, forcing Irene to face impossible choices about how far she will go and what she’s willing to sacrifice.

Source Article

The original story by Frank Shyong detailed a terminally ill mother confronting her son’s schizophrenia diagnosis with a heartbreaking decision.

Trailer Highlights

“This isn't going to just go away like some cold. He needs to learn to live with it. You both do.”

The trailer offers a glimpse of the intense emotional journey as Irene seeks to protect her son amid rising challenges.

Reception and Awards

Since its premiere at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival, Rosemead has earned Liu several film festival awards for her powerful performance.

Author’s Summary

This emotionally charged film showcases Lucy Liu’s transformative role in a deeply personal story about a mother’s desperate fight to save her son amid mental illness.

People.com — 2025-11-07