What lengths would someone go to in order to safeguard the health and happiness of a family member? Is there any limit to this, or is it something fueled by the affection we have for the person we're trying to help, something without boundaries even if it means breaking laws, social norms, and ethical guidelines? And when things get really bad, are we able to carry out what we’ve planned? These are some of the tough questions explored in this drama based on actual events about a woman named Irene (played by Lucy Liu), who is dying from an illness, attempting to care for her 17-year-old son, Joe (Lawrence Shou). He's a kind young man struggling with schizophrenia, and unfortunately his condition is getting worse, causing him to become increasingly unpredictable and potentially dangerous to himself and others. The situation isn’t helped by Irene’s own failing health; she has cancer that’s spreading and not responding to treatment. On top of that, she's facing another deadline: Joe’s 18th birthday, when her ability to control his care will largely disappear, essentially leaving him without support. As the only child of Taiwanese immigrant parents—one parent already passed away and the other is nearing the end of their life—Joe faces an uncertain future, especially since he isn't fully aware of what’s happening and can’t really take care of himself. What options do a mother and son have in circumstances like these? Writer-director Eric Lin has taken on a very serious topic for his first movie, one that is often difficult and emotionally draining to watch, largely because of the excellent acting from Liu (who gives some of her best performances here) and Shou, who’s also making his debut. The film does occasionally feel slow toward the end, but it still maintains the feeling of stress and pressure that the characters are experiencing. Because of this, some viewers may find the movie to be too intense at times, particularly once Irene's "solution" to her problem becomes apparent. However, it’s important to keep in mind that she is considering actions motivated by love, no matter how unusual they might seem to others. “Rosemead” isn’t a flawless film, but it's a commendable first attempt and suggests a promising future for the filmmaker.

Source on TMDB