‘Mistress Dispeller’ Review: Elizabeth Lo Observantly Follows a Chinese Marriage in a Fidelity Crisis

As a seasoned documentarian with a penchant for unconventional love stories, I found “Mistress Dispeller” to be a captivating and poignant exploration of the complexities of human relationships, particularly within the unique cultural context of modern China. Having traversed the globe in search of tales that resonate universally, this film struck a chord with me as it beautifully illustrates how, despite our diverse customs and cultures, the people who inhabit their margins remain remarkably alike.

Instead of seeking couples’ therapy after infidelity, some people hire a “mistress dispeller” – a skilled professional who becomes involved with the couple and the other woman for several months. Their role is twofold: to end the affair and mend the broken relationships within the marriage. This appears to be a recent trend in China, as suggested by the title cards in Elizabeth Lo‘s film “Mistress Dispeller,” which presents an intriguing blend of melancholy and romanticism.

Lo’s second feature documentary provides a deeply personal exploration, delving into the complexities of love in modern China against a backdrop of cultural nuances and subtle melancholy. Rather than relying on statistical data or scholarly discussions, it tells a genuine story about a mistress, offering a candid glimpse into the rapidly expanding “love industry” of the last decade and the growing phenomenon of infidelity.

As a film enthusiast, I must clarify that if you’re expecting a scandalous love triangle along typical lines, this movie will pleasantly surprise you. Instead, it delves deeper, presenting a more contemplative narrative. A poignant tale unfolds through the framing of two women in mirrors at opposite hair salons, their gazes reflecting introspection and emotion. At the outset, Mrs. Li, a woman of resolve, is seen in a mirror, her face etched with sorrow as tears glide down her cheeks. She’s married to Mr. Li, a man known for his reserve and few words. It’s no secret that he’s been unfaithful, with the younger Fei Fei being the other woman at the second salon.

It’s an expressive choice for Lo to mark the beginning and near-end of her film with a hairdresser’s chair, giving both forlorn women in love with the same man their turn in it. Lo seems to know that time often stops when we take those strangely therapeutic seats across from a mirror, cuing a quiet self-evaluation of our looks, desires and even our entire lives. In the case of middle-aged Mrs. Li, she can’t help but face the pain and weight of her husband’s betrayal in that moment. As for the surprisingly conventional Fei Fei, she possibly wonders what her life would look like without her lover’s enabling presence and support.

In “Mistress Dispeller,” it’s not a surprise that the affair ends by the movie’s end, given the unique, almost unbelievable Chinese tradition it portrays. However, the film isn’t just about the resolution; it delves into the events leading up to it. The story follows Teacher Wang Zhenx, who, along with her partner, is a well-known “mistress dispeller” with numerous clients. Mrs. Li hires her to investigate their marriage, and in disguise, she meets both Mr. Li and Fei Fei, posing as someone else initially.

Gradually, she reveals the fissures in people’s emotions, bonds, and connections. Although this method is intriguing and generally unfamiliar across many cultures, the discoveries she makes are surprisingly common. In terms of marital issues, there are widespread grievances like, “You didn’t even notice my new hairstyle.” On the extramarital side, there are admissions as mundane as, “It gives me a sense of vitality” – a phrase that has likely been spoken by every married individual who embarked on an affair at some point.

As a passionate cinephile, I’ve just witnessed Lo’s triumph in “Mistress Dispeller,” a film that beautifully underscores our universal similarities despite diverse customs and cultures. In this compelling narrative, there are no pure villains or saints; instead, complex characters navigate their journeys with authenticity, all filmed with the full cooperation and consent of everyone involved.

In a different scenario, we encounter ordinary individuals such as Mrs. Li, who is distraught over her husband’s recent emotional distance, only to gush about his culinary skills moments later. On the other hand, Mr. Li adores his wife and their shared experiences (they particularly enjoy playing badminton), yet finds himself drawn to Fei Fei’s excitement and purpose in life. Fei Fei, for her part, understands that without her presence, she may end up isolated once more in her small apartment. This sentiment is underscored by Teacher Wang, who has witnessed similar situations enough times to know that the mistress will bear the brunt of any fallout.

In the filmmaking world, it’s no surprise that the creator of the touching 2020 documentary “Stray,” which delicately explored the lives of Istanbul’s stray animals and people, would deliver another thought-provoking piece. However, the transformation seen in this new work is captivating. Here, the director skillfully connects China’s economic boom with the sense of liberation (and at times, discontent) that development has brought to nuclear families. As the narrative unfolds, the character of Teacher Wang evolves beyond a simple marital investigator. By the end, she appears as a Chinese equivalent of Esther Perel, a relationship therapist who helps deeply private individuals confront their deepest feelings, in a culture that may not be accustomed to concepts like “self-care,” “me-time,” or open discussions about taboo subjects in certain regions.

Lo’s skillful cinematography combines lengthy, intense scenes and intimate close-ups, contrasted by tranquil nature views versus unsettling cityscapes. The somber soundtrack features Puccini and Saint-Saëns. “Mistress Dispeller” concludes with a moving final act, leaving everyone – the viewers included – with a thoughtful and meaningful takeaway from their encounter with Teacher Wang. Relationships can be rekindled, hurt feelings can mend, and every ending signifies a fresh start.

2024-09-02 15:17

‘Mistress Dispeller’ Review: Elizabeth Lo Observantly Follows a Chinese Marriage in a Fidelity Crisis

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