Mr. Li, a successful businessman in his later years, is having an affair with a much younger woman, Fei Fei. His wife knows about it, but rather than confronting him directly, she turns to “mistress dispeller” Teacher Wang for help. Teacher Wang inserts herself into the couple’s affair, subtly guiding both Li and Fei Fei toward realizing the consequences of their actions, without directly interfering. This unconventional strategy is both surprising and eye-opening, highlighting the dynamics of the marriage in a striking way.

Watching this documentary by Elizabeth Lo is often a surreal experience, especially given the film crew’s presence during intimate moments of confession and reflection, all unfolding with the formal politeness of Chinese culture. While the concept of “mistress dispellers” may seem foreign to most, the genuine compassion Teacher Wang shows to all three members of the love triangle is striking. This is undoubtedly one of the most captivating non-fiction films you’ll see this year.