Mistress Dispeller

A wife finds messages from an unknown woman on her husband’s phone, and a familiar story begins; a story of doubts, jealousy, fears, and a love wronged. What makes this particular story take an unusual turn, however, is the wife’s decision to hire an outsider to handle matters. Wang, a “mistress dispeller”, is hired to resolve the situation as painlessly as possible for all involved. She inserts herself into the lives of all three parties and starts rearranging the situation – but it’s not easy. As is usual for these types of scenarios, the situation revolves around a man claiming innocence, who, in his own mind, didn’t want to hurt anyone.

Elizabeth Lo’s documentary explores not only age-old themes – infidelity, family and passion – but also the realities of China’s contemporary middle class. The viewer is taken along to badminton pitches and restaurants, and to follow the lives of couriers and a housewife. An interesting insight is also given to Wang’s interaction with her customers. Wang works with private matters, and her job at different times resembles that of a psychologist, a friend and a consultant. The search for love and acceptance is universal, and stolen glances can lead to new adventures. No one is looking for scandal. Wang, a resourceful woman, has turned this into a business.

Salla Nazarenko (translated by Sofia Lanki)