Mistress Dispeller

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Mistress Dispeller

2025

1h 34m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

95%

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43 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

In China, a new industry has emerged devoted to helping couples stay married in the face of infidelity. Wang Zhenxi is part of this growing profession, a "mistress dispeller" who is hired to maintain the bonds of marriage -- and break up affairs -- by any means necessary. Offering strikingly intimate access to private dramas usually hidden behind closed doors, Mistress Dispeller follows a real, unfolding case of infidelity as Teacher Wang attempts to bring a couple back from the edge of crisis. Their story shifts our sympathies between husband, wife and mistress to explore the ways emotion, pragmatism and cultural norms collide to shape romantic relationships in contemporary China.

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Critics Consensus

Functioning equally well as a sociological survey and an intimate character study, Mistress Dispeller is an absorbing documentary filled with fresh insights into the complexities of marriage.

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Sheri Linden

The Hollywood Reporter

Oct 26

But however quietly they express these revelations, the enormity of [the central trio's] feelings is what propels the film, underlined by Brian McOmber’s brooding score and the aching intensity of a Puccini aria on the soundtrack.

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Alissa Wilkinson

New York Times

Oct 24

Rather than leaning on caricatures or stereotypes, the film gives each person’s perspective a respectful hearing. The added element of Wang’s subterfuge is what keeps it all fresh.

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Katie Rife

RogerEbert.com

Oct 22

3.5/4

It’s about the mysteries of the human heart. Its exploration of these subtle depths is sensitive, as are its conclusions.

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Stephen A. Russell

Orion's Shoulder (Substack)

Dec 31

If you come here expecting a Dynasty-style cat fight, you’ll be sorely disappointed. If, instead, you’re up for a quietly complex reckoning with messy emotions and the occasionally smothering nature of relationships, you’ll be suitably rewarded.

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Beth Accomando

KPBS.org

Nov 18

Lo masterminds a kind of cinematic alchemy, telling the story with such elegance and humanity.

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Payton McCarty-Simas

Film Inquiry

Nov 12

It’s a true testament to Elizabeth Lo’s direction that her latest documentary, Mistress Dispeller, doesn’t feel like a work of exploitation or exoticism.

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Judi L

@Solobarlady Mar 1

I was totally bored; however, it was interesting insight into Chinese societal norms.

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Susie Q.

Nov 22

The mysterious and astonishing profession of mistress dispelling is revealed in this remarkable film. Wherever your sympathies lie at the beginning of the journey, you may find yourself elsewhereits not just a story of 3 persons in conflict and the woman who solves their personal problems. Its a beautifully filmed and poetic study of our need to be loved in a world of pervasive loneliness, whether young or old, rich or poor. Id like to see the documentary of how this film was madethe honesty and clarity of the participants is breathtaking.

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Elizabeth Lo

Director

Elizabeth Lo

Writer

Charlotte Munch Bengtsen

Writer

Elizabeth Lo

Producer

Maggie Li

Producer

Emma D. Miller

Producer

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Synopsis

In China, a new industry has emerged devoted to helping couples stay married in the face of infidelity. Wang Zhenxi is part of this growing profession, a "mistress dispeller" who is hired to maintain the bonds of marriage -- and break up affairs -- by any means necessary. Offering strikingly intimate access to private dramas usually hidden behind closed doors, Mistress Dispeller follows a real, unfolding case of infidelity as Teacher Wang attempts to bring a couple back from the edge of crisis. Their story shifts our sympathies between husband, wife and mistress to explore the ways emotion, pragmatism and cultural norms collide to shape romantic relationships in contemporary China.

Director: Elizabeth Lo
Producer: Elizabeth Lo, Maggie Li, Emma D. Miller
Screenwriter: Elizabeth Lo, Charlotte Munch Bengtsen, Charlotte Munch Bengtsen, Elizabeth Lo
Distributor: Oscilloscope Laboratories
Production Co: Marcona Media, After Argos Films
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: Chinese
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 22, 2025, Limited
Runtime: 1h 34m