Mistura review – ice queen brings Peruvian drama to a gentle simmer
In 1960s Peru, high-society wife Norma opens a restaurant in her home after her husband leaves her, hoping to save the house from repossession. The film follows her attempt to turn her father’s passion for food into a successful business, with themes of teamwork and Peru’s cultural diversity.
Bárbara Mori plays Norma, who has four months to make the restaurant work before the bank takes the house. She hires a Japanese Peruvian sous-chef, while her chauffeur Oscar runs the front of house, but early reviews criticise the traditional French menu and the dining room is half empty. The review describes the film as elegant but slow, and finds Norma’s snobbery makes it difficult to stay invested.
- Norma has four months to save her home with a new restaurant.
- Early reviews are poor and the dining room is half empty.
- The film explores teamwork and Peru’s cultural diversity.
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In 1960s Peru, social class and family background shape how people live and work. Peru’s food reflects the country’s mix of Indigenous, European and immigrant influences, including Japanese Peruvian communities.
Norma is a wealthy woman trying to keep her home after her husband leaves. She has four months to make her restaurant viable, working with a Japanese Peruvian chef and her chauffeur, Oscar, who manages the dining room.
The story centres on whether people with different roles and backgrounds can build a business together. It also draws attention to the diversity of Peruvian food and the social divisions of the time.