Teeth

Jun 20 2008 The Journal

(1hr 33mins) Starring: Jess Weixler, John Hensley, Josh Pais. Director: Michell Lichtenstein

SCREENINGS of writer-director Mitchell Lichtenstein’s satirical coming of age story in schools would cause teenage pregnancy rates to plummet.

In the space of 93 hysterical, blood-drenched minutes, the first-time feature filmmaker creates a nightmarish world in which youthful fumblings are punishable by horrific mutilation at the hands – or rather demonic loins – of a naive heroine.

High school student Dawn (Jess Weixler) chooses to suppress her budding sexuality by aligning herself with chastity group Promise. Dawn denies her lustful thoughts until she meets Tobey (Hale Appleman) and something stirs deep inside.

During a romantic swim beneath a waterfall, he forces himself on Dawn. Big mistake.

With one suitor cut down to size on the mortuary slab, the terrified teenager doesn’t know where to turn. In desperation, Dawn books an appointment with gynaecologist Dr Godfrey (Josh Pais).

“Don’t worry – I’m not gonna bite you,” quips the medic. Alas, the joke’s on him.

Teeth draws plenty of blood as Dawn blossoms from shrinking violet into seductress, embracing her physical abnormality as the ultimate weapon against subjugation.