I recently had the opportunity to attend a screening of the award-winning documentary Mistress Dispeller at The Projector, a unique cinema venue that stands out from mainstream theaters. Known for its indie vibe, The Projector has two locations—one at Golden Mile Tower and a newer one in collaboration with Golden Village at Cineleisure. This was my first visit, and I was excited to experience what it had to offer.
Before the film began, we stopped by The Projector’s “Intermission Bar” to grab some snacks. I tried their sweet popcorn, which was surprisingly different from the usual cinema fare, it came with a delightful cinnamon sugar coating. The Thai Milk Tea was authentic and arguably better than what you’d find at some Thai restaurants.
The highlight, however, was their specialty Rendang hotdog (not pictured), which was flavourful without being overly spicy, paired perfectly with crispy shoestring fries. It’s safe to say that The Projector goes above and beyond with its food and drink offerings, setting itself apart from typical cinema concessions.
Now, onto the main event — Mistress Dispeller.
This documentary has garnered significant acclaim, with 11 wins and 11 nominations, including the prestigious Best Director (Authors Under 40 Award) at the 2024 Venice Film Festival. The film delves into a fascinating and little-known profession in China: the “mistress dispeller.” These individuals are hired to help couples salvage their marriages by breaking up extramarital affairs, by any means necessary.
The documentary follows Wang Zhenxi, a seasoned mistress dispeller, as she navigates a real-life case of infidelity. Through intimate access to private dramas typically hidden from public view, the film explores the emotional, cultural, and pragmatic complexities of relationships in contemporary China. It shifts viewers’ sympathies between the husband, wife, and mistress, offering a nuanced portrayal of love, betrayal, and societal expectations.
My Thoughts on the Film
Watching Mistress Dispeller requires an open mind. This isn’t your typical action-packed blockbuster or lighthearted comedy. It’ is a raw, thought-provoking documentary that pulls you into the realities of its subjects. What makes it particularly intriguing is the profession at its center. The mistress dispeller’s ability to adopt different personas and orchestrate meetings with the couple and the mistress is both fascinating and unsettling.
The cinematography beautifully captures the landscapes of China, while the score complements the film’s tone perfectly. Themes of culture, relationships, and respect are explored with depth, offering a compelling look at the intersection of tradition and modernity in Chinese society.
Mistress Dispeller is a captivating documentary that sheds light on a unique and controversial profession. If you’re looking for a thought-provoking Chinese documentary that explores cultural norms, relationships, and human emotions, this is a must-watch.
Tickets are available at The Projector’s website, and you can watch the trailer here.
