By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.25 cats
Director: Elizabeth Lo
Year: 2025
Running time: 94
Val says: “A wife discovers her husband is having an affair, and hires a specialist to get rid of the mistress, but not in the way you might think.
“This documentary watches like a narrative, with gorgeous shot composition, characters, and so many ‘how did they get THAT shot??’ moments. The audience laughed hysterically at the quippy and raw main character, and the pure situational comedy of the three love triangle participants (victims?). The most amazing part of the film for me though was the fascinating psychology at play as we watched a master work her magic with these star-crossed lovers. The filmaker treats all the subjects with care, bringing out The sweetness of the husbands’ interactions with the mistress, the ache of the wife’s grief as she mournes the relationship they once had, and the tentative hope of the films final act. The luscious food shots alone makes this a 4.5 cats for me.”
Aaron says: “The opening title card teases: ‘Everyone agreed to participate both at the beginning and end of production, as their understanding of the film and mistress dispeller’s role evolved over time.’
“The premise of this documentary is stranger than fiction. A Chinese woman (Mrs. Li) hires Wang Zhenxi, a ‘mistress dispeller,’ to break up her husband’s affair with a younger woman (Fei Fei). Director Elizabeth Lo persuades them to be filmed for this sting operation of the heart, and MISTRESS DISPELLER is the happy result.
“What about the subjects who aren’t in on the secret mission? According to the press notes, the filmmakers approached Mr. Li and Fei Fei to see if they’d participate in a documentary about modern love in China. It turns out they’re naturals on camera.
“Every good doc needs a compelling subject, and MISTRESS DISPELLER has several great ones. They’re so good, we feel like we’re watching a feature film. When Wang Zhenxi breaks the fourth wall late in the doc to address the filmmakers, the moment startles with the force of a plot twist.
“The camera setups, the soundtrack (which includes a mix of Puccini and bouncy indie-electro music from French band Odezenne), the range and specificity of emotions the fly-on-the-wall camera elicits from its subjects—all contribute to the sense that what we’re seeing is a cunningly staged performance. But it’s not. What a treat to see a modern love triangle play out free of easy villains. Although conceived with a bit of misdirection, MISTRESS DISPELLER leaves us with a genuine and nuanced exploration of human relationships. 4 Cats“
Julie says: “A documentary about the process of hiring a mistress dispeller which is legal in China. The big question is access. How and when did the film makers get access? I found myself only thinking about the camera at the end of the movie. Could it have been hidden at the start and then authorization was given to use the recordings after the fact? Doubtful but possible. Perhaps some was reenacted by the real subjects of the film? The cinematography is fantastic in conjunction with excellent use of music. 4.25 cats
“Seen at the Somerville Theatre as part of the IFF Boston 4/24/2025”