The Dentist

Synopsis

The Dentist is a 1996 horror film directed by Adam Simon and stars Corbin Bernsen as Dr. Alan Feinstone, a successful dentist who becomes increasingly unhinged after discovering his wife's infidelity. The story follows Dr. Feinstone as he spirals into madness, driven by his obsession with oral hygiene and a morbid desire to punish those he sees as lacking in proper dental care. As his mentality deteriorates, he begins to wield his dental tools as instruments of terror against unsuspecting patients and others who cross his path. The film effectively combines psychological horror with slasher elements, showcasing the transformation of a once-respected professional into a deranged antagonist. With its unsettling premise and industrial setting, The Dentist explores themes of betrayal, obsession, and the fragility of sanity. It delivers a chilling commentary on the dark side of human nature, all while keeping audiences on the edge of their seat.

Cast

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  Corbin Bernsen

  Dr. Alan Feinstone

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  Linda Hoffman

  Brooke Feinstone

• Michael Stadvec

  Matt

• 

  Ken Foree

  Detective Gibbs

• 

  Tony Noakes

  Detective Sunshine

• 

  Molly Hagan

  Jessica

Reviews

The Dentist has garnered mixed to negative reviews since its release. On Rotten Tomatoes, it proudly sits at 0%, reflecting complete disapproval from critics. Many viewers were perplexed and unsettled by the film's extreme premise and execution. Critics from sources like IMDb rated it a 5.4/10, highlighting its peculiar charm despite its shortcomings. For instance, a review from a user stated, 'Corbin Bernsen's performance is chilling and engaging, but the film itself struggles with pacing and narrative coherence.’ Metacritic ratings reinforce its lack of critical acclaim, with multiple reviews criticizing its reliance on shock value rather than a solid story. 'It’s a dreadful dentist nightmare that sorely lacks in originality,’ noted one horror blog, while another voiced that 'the film's concept had potential but fell into a predictable pattern of gore and madness.' Despite the backlash, some fans appreciate it as a cult classic in the horror genre, citing its over-the-top performances and audacious approach as reasons to watch.