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Mistress Dispeller

Play trailer Poster for Mistress Dispeller 2025 1h 34m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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95% Tomatometer 43 Reviews Popcornmeter 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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Mistress Dispeller

Mistress Dispeller

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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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Critics Reviews

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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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review Beth Accomando KPBS.org Nov 18
Lo masterminds a kind of cinematic alchemy, telling the story with such elegance and humanity. Go to Full Review 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. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Judi L @Solobarlady Mar 1 I was totally bored; however, it was interesting insight into Chinese societal norms. See more 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. See more Read all reviews
Mistress Dispeller

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Cast & Crew

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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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Mistress Dispeller

Mistress Dispeller (2024) Mistress Dispeller (2024) View more photos

Movie Info

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
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