Mistura (2024)

-Written by Kyle Bain. 

Set against the backdrop of the political and fiscal instability of 1960s Peru, Mistura follows Norma Piet (Bárbara Mori) as she attempts to develop an exclusive restaurant after her husband leaves her for another woman. Once ostracized from society, her culinary aptitude elevates her station in life and provides her the opportunity to thrive. 

People often decide what the ‘great equalizer’ is. Some say sports; philosopher Horace Mann said that it was education. To some degree I agree with these notions—however, something can be said for food. It’s an interest that we all share. Food is sustenance, food is art, food is what allows the world to go around. Mistura uses this sentiment as the basis of its narrative. A cold, jaded woman struggling to find her way in the world after a traumatic event is both humbled by and offered endless opportunities as a result of food. With that, Mistura speaks to all of us. Regardless of where you come from, where you’re going, or who/what you are, food is a commonality that you share with everyone else. 

Mistura represents independence and autonomy—something bigger than the initial premise of the film may have expressed to viewers. With the cultural and political shift of Peru quietly playing out in the background, Mistura appropriately brings to life sentiments of growth and anticipated change. These parallel storylines strengthen one another throughout, and they permit viewers the opportunity to peer further into the meaning behind Norma’s journey throughout the film. Furthermore, while the journey toward an individual person’s freedom might initially pale in comparison to the liberation of an entire nation, Mistura never overplays its hand in this regard, rather allowing Norma's journey to grow more accessible. 

Subtlety is key in the success of Mistura. The aforementioned use of political unrest is applied gradually and subtly throughout—additionally, Mori’s beauty is something that is used subtly to heighten the film. Mori is gorgeous, a knockout I’m sure many would say—but that’s not an aspect of her character that is explicitly explored at any point in the film. However, the costume design is something that accentuates her physical strengths as a way to entice viewers in regard to her journey. She’s put together, and while certainly flawed in terms of her character, her physical beauty set against the heavily flawed setting of Peru allows the film to ultimately hone in on the most important aspect of the production: her anticipated success. 

I adore films about cooking, and Mistura is a welcome addition to the growing catalog of food-related films. Writer-Director Ricardo de Montreuil clearly understands the ins and outs of the industry, using technical jargon that perfectly inserts viewers into the film and into Norma’s shoes. We’re present in the narrative and able to appreciate the drama present in Norma’s life. 

Norma is the center of Mistura, and everything, naturally, revolves around her. The historical backdrop, the subtle use of beauty, and nearly everything else is used to strengthen the character and enhance her role in the film. Mistura is engaging and commits to remaining on a linear path throughout, allowing it to remain accessible and intriguing from start to finish. 

Written & Directed by Ricardo de Montreuil. 

Starring Bárbara Mori, Cesar Ballumbrosio, Christian Meier, Stefano Meier, Juan Pablo Olyslager, etc. 

7.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING