The Dentist Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A dentist gets cheated on and decides everyone’s teeth are the problem, so he takes matters (and drills) into his own hands.

🍿 The Dentist: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Dr. Feinstone’s Perfect Life Crumbles

Dr. Alan Feinstone is a successful Beverly Hills dentist with a seemingly perfect life: a beautiful wife, a luxurious home, and a thriving practice. His obsession with cleanliness and order, however, hints at underlying psychological issues. On his wedding anniversary, Dr. Feinstone’s world is shattered when he discovers his wife, Brooke, having an affair with the pool cleaner. This betrayal triggers a descent into madness.

Descent into Madness and Dental Torture

Consumed by rage and paranoia, Dr. Feinstone begins to see ‘decay’ everywhere, both literally and figuratively. His mental state deteriorates rapidly, leading to increasingly erratic behavior at his dental practice. He starts hallucinating, seeing his patients’ teeth as rotten and diseased, and his female patients as his adulterous wife. This twisted perception results in acts of brutal dental torture, using his instruments to inflict pain and suffering.

Violence Escalates and the Law Closes In

Dr. Feinstone’s actions escalate beyond the confines of his office. He mutilates his wife, kills the pool cleaner, and murders several others who cross his path or trigger his paranoia. As the body count rises, detectives begin to piece together the evidence, realizing that the respected dentist is responsible for the gruesome crimes. The IRS also adds pressure, investigating Feinstone’s tax problems.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dr. Alan Feinstone (Corbin Bernsen): A successful dentist whose obsessive cleanliness and sanity unravel after discovering his wife’s infidelity, leading him to commit acts of dental torture.
• Brooke Feinstone (Linda Hoffman): Dr. Feinstone’s unfaithful wife whose affair triggers her husband’s descent into madness.
• Matt (Michael Stadvec): The pool cleaner who has an affair with Brooke Feinstone, becoming a target of Dr. Feinstone’s rage.
• Detective Gibbs (Ken Foree): The detective investigating the strange occurrences surrounding Dr. Feinstone, attempting to piece together the truth.
• Sarah (Virginya Keehne): A teenage patient who becomes a target of Dr. Feinstone, but manages to escape his dental torture.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dr. Alan Feinstone: “I am an instrument of perfection and hygiene, the enemy of decay and corruption. A dentist. And I have a lot of work to do.” – Dr. Feinstone’s dialogue expresses his twisted worldview as he descends into madness.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $700,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Dentist Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into this expecting cheesy schlock, and while it IS cheesy, it’s also surprisingly effective! Corbin Bernsen is legitimately creepy, and there are a few scenes that made me genuinely squirm. That scene with the dental drill? Ugh, I had to look away! It’s definitely not high art, but it’s a fun, gory horror flick that I’ll probably revisit. I mean, is it any wonder I now have a complex about going to the dentist?

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of horror movies with gory special effects”
  • “Viewers who enjoy psychological thrillers with a dark sense of humor”
  • “People interested in films that explore themes of obsession and madness”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence and gore, including scenes of dental torture”
  • “Disturbing psychological themes and mental illness”
  • “Sexual content and brief nudity”

Professional Reviews

• HorrorNews.net: “A fun, gory ride that plays on our universal fear of dentists. Corbin Bernsen delivers a surprisingly effective performance as the unhinged Dr. Feinstone. While the plot is simple, the execution is delightfully disturbing. The film’s practical effects are gruesome and impressive, elevating it above typical slasher fare. A must-see for horror fans with a strong stomach.
• Film Threat: “A darkly comedic take on dental horror, with Corbin Bernsen truly committing to the role. The film’s graphic violence is not for the faint of heart, but it’s the psychological breakdown of the protagonist that is truly unsettling. Director Brian Yuzna crafts a memorable, if uneven, horror experience. The practical effects are gruesome and quite effective.
• AllMovie: “An unsettling thriller that taps into the common fear of dental procedures. Bernsen’s portrayal of a dentist spiraling into madness is both captivating and disturbing. The film is not without its flaws, but its ability to make viewers squirm makes it a worthwhile watch. The visuals are graphic, be warned!

Audience Reactions

Corbin Bernsen’s performance was surprisingly compelling and truly sold the character’s descent into madness.: Viewers loved the film’s over-the-top gore and the way it played on their fears of going to the dentist.

Many viewers felt the dental torture scenes were incredibly unsettling and effective.: The film was a wild ride with surprising dark humor amidst the gruesome visuals, making it uniquely entertaining.

Overall Consensus: A surprisingly effective and gory horror film that preys on dental anxieties, elevated by Corbin Bernsen’s committed performance.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Brian Yuzna did his own storyboards for the film due to the low budget.”
• “Alan Howarth composed the entire score in just one weekend, also handling the final mixing and foley work.”
• “The killings in the movie are inspired by Hitchcock films.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Dentist?

As of October 2024, “The Dentist” is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your preferred streaming service for availability, as options may vary by region. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray may also be available through online retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Dentist, you might like these similar films:

• Dr. Giggles (1992): Features a similarly deranged doctor using his medical skills for murderous purposes.
• Misery (1990): Deals with the theme of obsession and a descent into madness, albeit in a different professional context.
• American Psycho (2000): Explores the dark side of a seemingly successful and privileged individual, displaying a similar blend of horror and satire.

🛒 The Dentist Related Products

• The Dentist (Limited Edition Blu-ray): Collector’s edition Blu-ray featuring enhanced picture quality, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, and special packaging. A must-have for any serious horror aficionado, perfect for display and rewatching.
• Complete Dental Hygiene Kit – Dr. Fresh: Equip yourself for maintaining perfect oral health and avoiding the Dentist’s wrath. Contains high-quality toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. A practical gift and conversation starter.
• Dentist Cosplay Costume: Cosplay outfit of Dr. Feinstone, it includes a white dental coat, face mask, latex gloves, and bloody dental instruments accessories. Great for parties, Halloween, or fan conventions
• The Dentist Movie Poster: High-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, perfect for framing and displaying your love for this cult classic. Printed on durable, archival paper for long-lasting enjoyment. Display your love for this movie

🎧 Soundtrack

The Dentist features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Vissi d’arte, vissi d’amore” – performed by Giacomo Puccini

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Dentist – Cyanide & Happiness Shorts

Dentist visits can be scary, right? This hilarious Cyanide & Happiness short captures that feeling perfectly – get ready to laugh (and maybe feel a little relieved you’re not the patient!).

Coneheads (3/10) Movie CLIP – At the Dentist’s (1993) HD

Ever wonder what a dentist visit would be like for an alien? Check out this funny clip from Coneheads where Beldar undergoes a dental exam – it’s definitely a unique experience!

✨ Rate