Cast: Jess Weixler, John Hensley

Director: Mitchell Lichtenstein

Screenplay: Mitchell Lichtenstein

Genre: Indie/Horror

Running time: 1 hr 34 mins



CRITIQUE:


Throwing the guidebook of the horror genre right out of the window, flesh in a highly original story, pepper some shocking moments, season some black humour – TEETH is what you get. A surprising twist on the horror category where the damsel in the distress is actually the unbeknownst attacker and the real monsters are actually the victims, and if that doesn’t make sense to you, it is all explained in just two words. Vagina. Dentata.


A concept of intriguing proportions, TEETH tells a tale of a teenage girl who was born with mutations “down under” and discovers the terror both in herself and the horror she causes to hormonally-charged teenage boys. It works as an anti-sex teenage film at the onset, showing scenes of an organisation that advocates for purity. And it moves almost painfully and burningly slow to family issues and losing-your-virginity antics, however, thou shall not fall asleep because as soon as the scene of shock value comes, it is worth the wait. Some scenes might cause major disturbances, most especially to men. The mythical vagina dentata, as explained, comprises of tooth protrusions (imagine the principle of a Venus Flytrap), so when physically enforced, it shuts with a snap. It’s a squidgy, squirmy watching experience, as the concept itself is a vomit-inducing element. That cave-scene is a hilariously black, terrifyingly graphic and masterfully handled moment.


The film’s greatest achievement, meanwhile, lies on the development of its plot. From a mainly confused and misunderstood girl to a determined woman who would cause hell to the lives of many perverted men, it can be easily understood as a cautionary tale for all the male species. If one doesn’t want to be castrated, pay respect to a girl, otherwise, some gushing blood and one male organ less later, regret of promiscuity sinks in. The main heroine/villain is brilliantly played by a confident screen performance by newcomer Jess Weixler, who has the charm of Drew Barrymore, screen command of a young Meryl Streep, and the attitude of an Uma Thurman.


VERDICT:

Funny at one moment, then shocks you in the next. This is one unforgettable, disturbing cautionary tale that gives much deeper sensibilities on the importance of self-acceptance and moral respect.



RATING: B+