featuring @lunapalacecinemas @anarchy_pr @spanishfilmfest
I had the pleasure of catching Mistura on opening night of the Spanish and Latin American Film Festival at Luna Palace Cinemas in Leederville, thanks to the wonderful people at Anarchy PR and the cinema team who brought this gem to Perth audiences.
Directed by Ricardo de Montreuil, Mistura unfolds in mid-1960s Lima, a city on the cusp of social change. Bárbara Mori stars as Norma Piet, a privileged Franco-Peruvian socialite and trophy wife whose world shatters when her husband (Christian Meier in a suitably slimy turn) abandons her for a younger woman. Stripped of her status and facing the judgment of elite society, Norma channels her grief and fury into an unlikely venture: transforming her home into a restaurant. What begins as a desperate bid for survival evolves into a profound journey of self-reinvention, cultural reconnection, and embracing the vibrant diversity of Peruvian identity through its cuisine.
Mori delivers a standout performance—her chemistry with César Ballumbrosio as her loyal chauffeur Oscar is a highlight; their evolving relationship carries a warm, almost Driving Miss Daisy-esque dynamic that grounds the story in human connection. Visually, the film is a feast. Cinematography by Nicolás Wong lovingly captures the period details of Lima, while the food sequences—shot with mouthwatering care under the influence of real culinary expertise—are pure sensory delight.
My slight criticism would be, the story resolves certain prejudices and conflicts a touch lightly, leaning more toward feel-good fable than gritty realism, and the third act could use sharper closure. Yet these don’t detract from its core. Mistura shines as a love letter to Peruvian gastronomy, resilience, and the idea that identity is not fixed but a living mixture—something that evolves through adversity, community, and a good meal.
Mistura feels like comfort food done right: nourishing, flavorful, and leaving you hungry for more—both literally and figuratively. If you’re drawn to stories of personal transformation, cultural celebration, or simply exquisite on-screen cooking, seek it out.
Screening as part of The 2026 HSBC Spanish and Latin American Film Festival.
Email: neill@outloudculture.com
- Socials: @frazer.live
- @neill.outloud
