The creepy Dr. Feinstone in the movie, The Dentist

The Dentist was a horror film made in 1996. Directed by Brian Yuzna, the script was written by Dennis Paoli. In the film, actor Corbin Bernsen plays Dr. Alan Feinstone, while the talented Linda Hoffman plays Brook Feinstone. Actor Ken Foree plays a detective in the film, known as Detective Gibbs. According to the production notes, the film was inspired by the real-life serial killer who also worked in dentistry, Nick Rex.

The movie begins very calm and normal as it happens with many modern horror films. Dr. Feinstone is wealthy and successful, has a beautiful wife, an incredible home, and a steady income as a popular dentist. As he is obsessed with order in his office, he is very fond of structure and cleanliness.

One day, Feinstone witnesses his wife, Brooke, having an affair with her pool boy. He then pulls out a gun and begins to follow the culprit home when he leaves Brooke. Distraught, he returns to work and his life begins to spiral downward. Finally, he imagines the patients as his own wife and begins to harass them while they are sedated.

Finally, Dr. Feinstone is caught by the waiting husband of one of his patients and is sued for sexual harassment and neglect. As the film progresses, the doctor faces more negative life changes that lead him to the life of a sadistic dentist, tracking down victims while law enforcement doesn’t suspect him.

Without spoiling the ending for readers, the film takes several dark turns down a dark, horror-filled road as Dr. Feinstone stabs, cuts, and tortures many unsuspecting victims. Based on the true events of a former dentist turned serial killer, the film is definitely a must-see for those who enjoy 90s-era horror movies or who enjoy getting the chills from two things many fear: dentistry and murder!

The original release date of the film was aptly chosen before Halloween, which opened on October 18, 1996. The film ran for 29 minutes and had a budget of $ 2.6 million. While many horror films of its time garnered little critical acclaim, this film followed as many cult classics have before and even after its time. Since the premiere of its sequel, director Brian Yunza has directed even more underground horrors such as Faust, Beyond Reanimator, Bride of Reanimator, Rottweiler, Beneath Still Water, and Amphibious 3D.

A sequel was made in 1998 and the special effects coordinator won awards for each at various film festivals. It’s also worth noting that Marc Ruffalo appears in the film as one of his earliest roles. Truly creepy and chilling, this movie is a great watch for a stormy night, especially if you’re the type of movie buff who loves to get into cinematic scare.