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Oscar-Nominated Doc Reveals China's Affair Resolvers
19 Feb
Summary
- The film follows China's unique 'mistress dispeller' industry.
- Director Elizabeth Lo earned an Oscar nomination for her work.
- The documentary offers intimate access to infidelity cases.
Mistress Dispeller, an acclaimed documentary by Elizabeth Lo, is set to premiere on the Criterion Channel on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. This film delves into a unique service in China aimed at helping wives whose husbands are unfaithful.
Produced by Lo, Emma D. Miller, and Maggie Li, the documentary has garnered significant international recognition, including an Oscar shortlist nomination for Best Documentary Feature. It has also won awards such as the Golden Frog at Cameraimage and the Gold Hugo at the Chicago International Film Festival.
The documentary provides intimate access to private family dramas, following the unfolding case of infidelity as 'mistress dispeller' Wang Zhenxi attempts to reconcile a couple. The film shifts perspectives between the husband, wife, and mistress, exploring how cultural norms and emotions influence relationships.
Director Elizabeth Lo employed an observational filming style, utilizing static cameras to capture nuanced interactions. This approach aimed to allow subjects to act as naturally as possible, despite the camera's presence, facilitating a deeper exploration of sensitive emotional moments.
