Teeth

Main Plot

Teeth follows the story of Dawn, a teenage girl who is a staunch advocate for chastity and purity. Living in a conservative community, she grapples with her emerging sexuality and the pressures of adolescence. As she navigates relationships with her peers, she discovers that she possesses a unique and alarming condition: she has teeth in her vagina, a phenomenon that becomes both a source of empowerment and horror. When faced with unwanted advances and sexual violence, Dawn's condition transforms from a curse into a means of self-defense. The film explores themes of sexuality, consent, and the complexities of female empowerment, as Dawn learns to confront her fears and assert control over her body in a world that often seeks to dominate it. The narrative blends dark humor and horror, creating a provocative commentary on societal attitudes toward female sexuality.

Characters

• Jess Weixler plays Dawn O'Keefe, a teenager who discovers she has a unique anatomical feature that serves as a defense mechanism against sexual assault.
• John Hensley plays Brad, the protagonist's stepbrother, whose antagonistic behavior and dark intentions significantly impact the unfolding of the story's central conflict.
• Josh Pais plays Dr. Godfrey, a gynecologist who becomes a victim of the protagonist's unique condition, highlighting the film's darkly comedic and horrific exploration of female empowerment.

Ending Explained

In the ending of Teeth, the protagonist, Dawn, confronts the traumatic experiences that have shaped her life, particularly her struggles with her body and sexuality. After a series of violent encounters that reveal her unique condition—vagina dentata—Dawn takes control of her narrative. The climax occurs when she faces her aggressor, a figure who embodies her fears and the societal pressures surrounding her sexuality. In a pivotal moment, Dawn uses her condition to defend herself, ultimately leading to a shocking act of self-empowerment. This act not only serves as a literal defense against male aggression but also symbolizes her reclaiming agency over her own body. The resolution of the main conflict comes as Dawn embraces her identity, transforming her fear into strength. The film concludes with Dawn driving away, a mixture of relief and newfound confidence evident in her demeanor. This ending connects to the overall narrative by highlighting themes of empowerment, the complexities of female sexuality, and the societal expectations placed on women. Dawn's journey from victimhood to empowerment encapsulates the film's exploration of bodily autonomy and the reclamation of one's identity in the face of trauma.