Rosemead is a 2025 American drama thriller directed by Eric Lin, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Marilyn Fu. The film stars Lucy Liu, Lawrence Shou, Orion Lee, Jennifer Lim, and James Chen.
Inspired by the 2017 Los Angeles Times column “A Dying Mother’s Plan” by Frank Shyong, the true story follows Irene Chao, a terminally ill Chinese immigrant trying to protect her teenage son Joe, who struggles with schizophrenia and a growing obsession with mass shootings.
The film highlights cultural stigma, mental health crises, and a mother’s desperate attempt to avert tragedy. Rosemead premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Festival, later screened at Locarno, and was released theatrically on December 5, 2025, by Vertical.
Rosemead Age Rating
Rosemead is officially rated R for strong thematic material, violence, and some language. While the rating mentions language, the film’s mature themes—centered on psychosis, suicidal ideation, violent fixation, and a devastating final act—place it firmly within adult territory. The tension, emotional weight, and disturbing subject matter are more intense than the surface rating descriptor suggests.
Violence & Peril
The film contains scenes that build toward a shocking act of real-world violence. Although the violent imagery is not graphic, the emotional impact is severe, especially surrounding the final motel incident where a fatal confrontation occurs. Much of the film’s peril comes from Joe’s deteriorating mental state, his violent drawings, and his fixation on mass shootings. The tone is tense and unsettling throughout, with several scenes implying the possibility of a catastrophic attack.
Language
Language is mild compared to the emotional intensity of the story. Characters use occasional strong terms during moments of stress. The rating includes “some language,” but profanity is not the film’s primary concern. The weight of the narrative relies more on psychological distress and fear rather than verbal aggression.
Mature Themes
The film deals with extremely heavy topics. Mental illness—specifically schizophrenia—is portrayed through hallucinations, paranoia, emotional outbursts, and frightening ideation. Themes of suicidal thoughts, parental despair, and cultural stigma toward psychiatric treatment appear throughout the story. Gun violence, mass shooting fantasies, and the ethical limits of motherhood form the core of the film’s tension. Irene’s terminal cancer and her desperation to protect her son from himself add another layer of emotional strain. These themes may be overwhelming for younger viewers.
Is Rosemead Suitable for Teens?
Ages 12 and Under: Not Suitable. The film’s themes of mental illness, terminal disease, and violent ideation are far too mature for children. The emotional intensity and realistic portrayal of danger make it inappropriate for this age group.
Ages 13–15: Not Recommended. Younger teens may struggle with the psychological distress depicted in the story. The film’s portrayal of schizophrenia, parental trauma, and violent fixation may be triggering or confusing without adult context. The tension surrounding mass shootings adds another layer of heaviness.
Ages 16–17: With Guidance. Older teens may handle the themes, especially those familiar with mental-health narratives or true-story dramas. However, parental guidance is strongly encouraged due to the emotionally devastating content and the film’s morally complex ending.
Overall Recommendation: Rosemead is best suited for ages 17+, particularly because the film’s tension, themes, and real-world relevance require emotional maturity and discussion.
What Parents Can Do
Discuss mental health openly: Talk with teens about schizophrenia, stigma within immigrant families, and the importance of compassionate, professional treatment.
Prepare for heavy emotional content: The film covers grief, desperation, and moral conflict. Give teens space to process the story after viewExplain real-world context: The film is based on true events involving systemic failure and cultural barriers. Offer context to help teens understand the seriousness of the situation.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is Rosemead rated?
A: It is rated R for strong thematic material, violence, and some language.
Q: Is Rosemead appropriate for teens?
A: Only older teens, ideally 17+, should watch it due to its intense themes involving mental illness and violent ideation.
Q: Does the film include violence or disturbing scenes?
A: Yes. While not graphic, the tension, drawings, and the final fatal incident make the film emotionally disturbing.
Q: Is there strong language?
A: Language is present but not excessive. The rating focuses more on mature themes than profanity.
Q: Does the movie include sexual content or substance use?
A: No. The film’s maturity comes from psychological and emotional intensity rather than sexual or substance-related material.
Q: Where can I watch Rosemead?
A: The film was released theatrically in the U.S. on December 5, 2025, by Vertical. Streaming availability will be updated when announced.