Teeth

| 2007

Directed by: Mitchell Lichtenstein

Main Plot

"Teeth," directed by Mitchell Lichtenstein, is a dark comedy horror film that centers on Dawn, a high school student who is a spokesperson for a Christian abstinence group. She discovers she has a rare condition called "vagina dentata," which means she has teeth in her vagina. This discovery occurs after a traumatic incident, leading her to realize that her condition activates in self-defense against sexual aggression. As Dawn grapples with her newfound anatomical anomaly, she navigates a series of encounters that test her beliefs, relationships, and understanding of her own body. The film explores themes of sexual awakening, empowerment, and the clash between purity culture and natural desires, all while blending horror elements with satirical commentary.

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 movie 'Teeth,' directed by Mitchell Lichtenstein, the protagonist, Dawn O'Keefe, discovers she has a rare condition called 'vagina dentata,' which means she has teeth in her vagina. Throughout the film, Dawn grapples with this revelation and its implications on her relationships and sense of self. By the end of the movie, Dawn has come to terms with her condition and begins to see it as a form of empowerment rather than a curse. The climax occurs when Dawn confronts her stepbrother, Brad, who has been abusive and harbors a disturbing obsession with her. In a final act of self-defense and retribution, Dawn uses her condition to castrate Brad, symbolizing her reclaiming control over her body and life. The film concludes with Dawn leaving her hometown, hitchhiking towards an uncertain future but with a newfound sense of agency and strength. This ending underscores the film's themes of bodily autonomy and empowerment, as Dawn transforms from a victim into a powerful figure who can protect herself from harm.

Mitchell Lichtenstein Comedy Fantasy Horror Jess Weixler John Hensley Josh Pais