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Debut Filmmaker Explores Grief and History in 'Rock Springs'

1/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Vera Miao, a debut filmmaker, directs Rock Springs, a horror-tinged drama about Emily (Kelly Marie Tran) who moves into a house haunted by the spirits of Chinese immigrants massacred in 1885.
Miao aims to link personal grief with historical trauma and show that storytelling can create meaning.
She hopes the film offers redemption and a glimmer of hope amid dark times, highlighting the complexity of its characters.

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Story summary

Vera Miao, a debut filmmaker, directs Rock Springs, a horror-tinged drama about Emily (Kelly Marie Tran) who moves into a house haunted by the spirits of Chinese immigrants massacred in 1885.
Miao aims to link personal grief with historical trauma and show that storytelling can create meaning.
She hopes the film offers redemption and a glimmer of hope amid dark times, highlighting the complexity of its characters.