Documentary Explores Unique Chinese Service to Combat Infidelity

Elizabeth Lo’s documentary, Mistress Dispeller, delves into a unique service in China that addresses infidelity, revealing the intricate dynamics of marital relationships. The film centers on six married couples in China, capturing their stories and the lengths to which they go to protect their unions. The documentary faced a lengthy three-year production process, primarily due to challenges in obtaining consent from the couples involved, who became hesitant about sharing their narratives publicly.

The film opens with a disclaimer affirming the truthfulness of the events portrayed and the consent of all participants. This transparency was crucial, as the subject of infidelity is sensitive. According to journalist George Fenwich in AnOther magazine, Lo had to navigate the complexities of her subjects’ lives while concealing the film’s true nature during production. The line between cinéma vérité and creative storytelling can often blur, but Lo’s approach aims to keep the audience informed.

At the heart of the film is Mr. and Mrs. Li, a couple whose seemingly ordinary lives in Luoyang reflect broader themes of marital strife. Mr. Li, characterized as reserved and preoccupied with his phone, often leaves Mrs. Li feeling isolated and suspicious of his activities. Their relationship has become routine, marked by a sense of boredom and duty. In search of solutions, Mrs. Li engages the services of Teacher Wang, a specialist in resolving marital issues tied to infidelity.

Teacher Wang employs unconventional methods to intervene in troubled marriages. With approximately 20 years of experience, she utilizes deceptive tactics to infiltrate the lives of couples, aiming to eliminate the presence of mistresses. Clients seeking her help often invest substantial sums in hopes of salvaging their relationships. According to Shu Xin, founder of the Weiqing Love Hospital, there are 33 distinct strategies to deter a cheating partner, and over a million clients have sought his services.

In an attempt to execute her plan, Teacher Wang befriends the Lis under the pretense of wanting to improve her badminton skills, a sport in which Mr. Li excels. During a planned dinner at the Li household, tensions rise as Mrs. Li orchestrates a commotion, allowing Teacher Wang to engage Mr. Li privately. It is during this conversation that Mr. Li admits to an affair with a younger woman, Fei Fei, a significant moment that sets the stage for the unfolding drama.

Despite its potentially salacious subject matter, Mistress Dispeller presents a nuanced perspective on infidelity. One of the film’s poignant insights comes from Teacher Wang, who articulates her belief that “when someone becomes a mistress, it’s because they feel they don’t deserve complete love.” This statement encapsulates the emotional complexity of the relationships depicted in the film.

The documentary culminates in a powerful scene where Fei Fei meets Mrs. Li under Teacher Wang’s guidance. The conversation that transpires is both sobering and dramatic, showcasing the human emotions involved in these turbulent relationships. It is a moment that resonates deeply, leaving viewers to ponder the fates of the individuals involved long after the credits roll.

As audiences exit the theater, they are likely to reflect on the personal journeys of Mr. and Mrs. Li, Teacher Wang, and Fei Fei, questioning how their lives have evolved since the film’s completion. Mistress Dispeller not only sheds light on a distinctive aspect of Chinese culture but also highlights universal themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for understanding in complex marital dynamics.