Vertical has released the official trailer for the indie drama “Rosemead,” directed by Eric Lin, marking his feature film debut. The film premiered earlier this year at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival and is set to hit select U.S. theaters on December 5, 2025.
“Rosemead” features Lucy Liu in a transformative role as a terminally ill Chinese immigrant who faces a heart-wrenching dilemma to protect her troubled teenage son, portrayed by Lawrence Shou. The story is inspired by a true account, exploring the complexities of maternal love and sacrifice amid a backdrop of escalating tensions in a Chinese American community. As her health declines, Liu’s character discovers her son’s alarming obsession with mass shootings, leading her to make increasingly desperate and morally ambiguous decisions.
Critics have praised Liu’s performance, describing it as career-defining and moving, capturing both the quiet contemplativeness and desperation of her character, Irene. The film also stars Orion Lee, Jennifer Lim, Madison Hu, and James Chen, creating a gripping family portrait that pushes boundaries and challenges viewers emotionally.
Directed by Lin, who has previously worked as a cinematographer on various indie projects, “Rosemead” is scripted by Marilyn Fu, and its production team includes Mynette Louie and Andrew D. Corkin. The film promises to deliver an emotional narrative that resonates with contemporary societal issues. As audiences anticipate its release, “Rosemead” showcases the power of storytelling through the lens of personal struggle and family dynamics.