Mistura is an impressive start to the HSBC Spanish and Latin American Film Festival as it charts Norma’s evolution while also accentuating Peruvian cuisine. A combination worthy of second and third helpings.
Mistura screens as part of this year’s 2026 HSBC Spanish and Latin American Film Festival, more information about the festival is available here: HSBC Spanish & Latin American Film Festival in cinemas June
Read the Glam Adelaide story about the festival here: 2026 HSBC Spanish & Latin American Film Festival begins 10 June – 5 July at Palace Nova Cinemas – Glam Adelaide
Highlighted by a brilliant performance by Bárbara Mori, Mistura is a visually glorious film about betrayal, love and falling from the peak of high society to self reinvention and was a superb opening night film of this year’s HSBC Spanish and Latin American Film Festival.
Set in the politically troubled times of Peru in the 1960s, the daughter of the former French Ambassador and glamorous socialite Norma Piet (Bárbara Mori), is very publicly abandoned by her husband Roberto (Christian Meier) for another woman. With little money of her own, she quickly begins a dramatic fall from her social status as her wealth dwindles. In a fit of rage and at her lowest ebb, she falsely accuses her long time employee Rosa (Hermelinda Luján) of theft and fires her.
Norma’s only remaining employee, the ever loyal chauffeur Oscar (César Ballumbrosio), suggests that she should start a restaurant in the large studio area of her house. Initially Norma balks at the idea of lowering herself to that level but as her financial position becomes dire, she and Oscar begin the task of hiring staff and starting a restaurant. As the very traditional French cuisine restaurant begins to fail, Norma and Oscar are forced to look for more local solutions.
Written and directed by Ricardo de Montreuil, Mistura is an engrossing story of a woman’s fall then finding something else as it also highlights the divisions of Peruvian culture of the times in de Montreuil’s skillfully crafted script.
Visually, Mistura is stunning. Nicolás Wong’s cinematography captures not only expertly the era but the close and longer shots of the cooked dishes and the ingredients coupled with arresting colouring makes the film an optical treat. Timothy Williams’ soundtrack compliments the visuals exceptionally, especially the insertion of Afro-Peruvian music.
Bárbara Mori in the lead role fills the screen in a stellar performance. She infuses her performance with 1960s glamour as Norma transforms throughout the film. Additionally, César Ballumbrosio’s performance is first-rate and both are supported by the outstanding cast.
Mistura is an impressive start to the HSBC Spanish and Latin American Film Festival as it charts Norma’s evolution while also accentuating Peruvian cuisine. A combination worthy of second and third helpings.
Reviewed by Rob McKinnon
Rating 5 out of 5
Distributor: Palace Films
