Mistress Dispeller, an intimate documentary by Elizabeth Lo, shows a unique Chinese practice.
Two's Company
by Alexa DalbyMistress Dispeller
China is a foreign country. They do things differently there.
This fascinating film, directed by Hong Kong-born Elizabeth Lo, shows the Chinese profession of weaning a ‘mistress’ from a relationship. It is done by trained people using applied psychology to make the ‘other woman’ want to leave of her own accord. It is usually successful.
It begs the question of why these unattractive husbands seem worth fighting for. Is it practical need? Is it the need for stability? Is there a shortage of men?
The film follows a mature couple, where the stylish wife contacts the female mistress dispeller (Teacher Wang) to rid her husband of his relationship with a younger woman, who lives in a different city. The mistress dispeller befriends and counsels her and advises the wife on tactics. Everyone is very pragmatic. The husband, enjoying his male privilege, is oblivious.
Mistress Dispeller purports to be a documentary, where all the participants have given their consent. The film quality is excellent. Lo certainly has had extraordinary access to their lives and she has created a trustful intimacy, and extraordinarily frank comments from all concerned. But it is also scripted, even if only partially. For a foreigner it is hard to believe that this is reality. Maybe it really is. But even if not, it’s still a fascinating glimpse of human nature and China on the inside.
Mistress Dispeller premieres at the Venice Film Festival on 2 September 2024 and has its North American premiere at TIFF on 6 September. It is represented internationally by Susan Norget.
