Based on the amazing true story, Rosemead follows Irene (Lucy Liu), a single mother who is struggling to hold her family together after the tragic loss of her husband. Stricken by grief, she and her son, Joe (Lawrence Shou) are trying to resume their lives with some sense of normalcy but both are struggling in different ways. However, as Joe begins to spiral, Irene must put her issues aside to fight for her son’s well-being.
Directed by Eric Lin, Rosemead is dark, disheartening and feels a little bit dangerous. It’s willing to explore some of the darkest issues in Western culture while sitting in those moments with quiet suffering.
It’s also brilliant.
To say that Rosemead is bleak is to put it mildly. After all, this is a film that deals with issues such as deeply-rooted mental health struggles, cancer diagnoses and even the trauma of school shootings. (And, frankly, that’s just the beginning.) The severity of the issues at hand flow together seamlessly, creating an overwhelming sadness that permeates every scene. These are people who are drowning and increasingly feel like they have no way out.
But that’s also why the film is so powerful. Written by Marilyn Fu, Rosemead is a film that pulls no punches. Joe and Irene have been dealt suffering that should not be wished upon anyone. Yet, somehow, their situation still feels authentic. This isn’t just a film that piles on the grief.
Instead, it’s a film that shows how grief can compile upon itself.
Almost every struggle seems interconnected through stress, grief or anxiety. Through situations that are not of their doing, they remain trapped in the quicksand that seeks to drag their family down into the depths. But the psychological burden that things take upon them continue to make things worse.
Admittedly, hopefulness in this film is not exactly aplenty. But one can also argue that it exists within Irene. Caught under an emotional avalanche, she fights endlessly to survive. Even as the ground gives out from underneath their feet, she moves forward. There’s a loving determination within her that is admirable. Irene is fearless in her pursuit of normalcy for her family. With the world spiralling out of control, she will do whatever it takes to protect her son and provide the stability that he lacks.
And this sheer force of will is highlighted by a jaw-dropping performance by Liu. Known primarily for her comedic talent, Liu delivers arguably the best work of her career. Irene is relentless yet compassionate. She’s unafraid and yet terrified; overbearing but empathetic. With fire in her eyes, you simply cannot take your eyes off of her when she’s onscreen. In one of the most demanding film roles of the year, Liu absolutely shines with an awards-worthy performance.
However, credit must also be given to young Shou as Joe. It’s rare to see a young actor handle material that’s this difficult with such maturity. However, Shou steps into the afflicted teen with sensitivity and grace. We both fear him and fear for him at the same time. Paired with Liu, the two elevate the material with seriousness and sanctity, preventing it from falling into simple melodrama.
So, while it’s fair to say that Rosemead is not the type of film for someone looking for an easy night at the movies, it remains an incredible experience. This is the sort of storytelling that begs of the audience, haunting them well after the credits have rolled. Terrifyingly honest, Rosemead leans into the darkness searching for some form of light. Whether or not one can find any is entirely up to the viewer.
Rosemead is available in theatres on Friday, January 9th, 2026.
