MIFF 2007 Fri August 3

TEETH (dir Mitchell Lichtenstein, USA, 2006)

A cleverly observed horror-comedy that never settles for cliche or the easy way out; a refreshingly unique take on the classic male castration complex; a startling story of female empowerment; and a wild ride: that's Teeth, the debut feature by US writer/director Mitchell Lichtenstein.

Screening as part of the 'Forbidden Pleasures' package at the festival this year, Teeth could just have easily have been included in the horror package, 'Full Moon Fever', or even in the International Panorama: its accomplished, subversive and satirical take on genre-busting so defies categorisation that it could be at home anywhere.

Dawn (a stunning performance by Jess Weixler) is so committed to saving her virginity until marriage, despite the temptations of the pleasures of the flesh that are embodied by Tobey (Hale Appleman), that she's become her high school's spokesperson for a chastity group. However, when Tobey attempts to rape her at the local swimming hole, Dawn discovers that she has a unique adaptation that enables her to fight off his advances.

This wickedly witty take on the vagina dentata myth - that's Latin for 'teethed vagina' in case you're wondering - is beautifully shot, captivatingly performed by its female lead, and gets the gore factor just right. What could have been an awkward juxtaposition of schlock horror and serious issues in another director's hands are admirably balanced here; puns and sly winks to 50s B-movies are balanced out with a sensitivity that ensures Dawn's character never slides into characiture. Severed penii abound - a warning for the faint-hearted and the weak-stomached - and a coupled of notes in the film don't quite ring true (such as Dawn's dying mother) but overall, Teeth works wonderfully. Without doubt, my festival highlight to date.

TEETH: four stars