Teeth (2007 film)

Teeth poster

Teeth is a 2007 American horror film directed and written by Mitchell Lichtenstein. The film stars Jess Weixler in a breakthrough role as Dawn O'Keefe, a teenager who discovers she has a condition known as vagina dentata—a mythological condition in which a woman's vagina is said to contain teeth. Teeth explores themes of sexual awakening, feminism, and body horror through a darkly comedic lens. The film is notable for its unique blend of horror and satire, as well as its commentary on issues such as sexual assault and gender dynamics.

Plot

The story follows Dawn O'Keefe, a high school student and spokesperson for a purity movement who lives with her dysfunctional family in suburban America. After an innocent encounter with a classmate turns violent, Dawn discovers that she has vagina dentata and must come to terms with her new abilities. As she navigates her way through sexual encounters, she learns to control her power and use it as a means of protection against those who seek to harm her.

Cast

• Jess Weixler as Dawn O'Keefe
• John Hensley as Brad
• Josh Pais as Dr. Godfrey
• Hale Appleman as Tobey
• Lenny von Dohlen as Bill
• Vivienne Benesch as Kim
• Ashley Springer as Ryan

Production

Teeth was directed and written by Mitchell Lichtenstein, who was inspired by the myth of vagina dentata. The film was shot on a modest budget and features a mix of horror and comedy to explore its themes. Jess Weixler's performance as Dawn was widely praised, and she won the Special Jury Prize for Acting at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival.

Reception

Upon its release, Teeth received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Many praised the film for its originality, dark humor, and Weixler's performance. However, some criticized it for its uneven tone and graphic content. Despite this, Teeth has gained a cult following over the years and is often discussed in the context of feminist horror cinema.

Themes

Teeth delves into several themes, including sexual awakening, the dangers of purity culture, and the empowerment of women. The film uses the myth of vagina dentata as a metaphor for female empowerment and the fear of female sexuality. It also addresses the consequences of sexual violence and the importance of consent.

See Also

• Horror comedy
• Feminist film theory
• Body horror