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Colin Jost Explores Dentist's Viral Downfall in 'Bad Teeth'

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, April 2nd 2026 at 21:03 GMT by Entertainment Weekly
      Locale: UNITED STATES

New York, NY - April 3rd, 2026 - Colin Jost, known for his deadpan delivery and willingness to tackle the peculiar on Saturday Night Live, is once again venturing into the delightfully strange with his new documentary, Bad Teeth. The film, premiering next month, delves into the bizarre saga of Dr. James Kakulewski, the Long Island dentist who became an overnight viral sensation - and pariah - after a scathing video of him berating his staff surfaced online in 2015. But Bad Teeth, as Jost explains, is far more than just a rehash of a viral moment; it's an exploration of internet fame, the human condition, and the uncomfortable questions raised when someone's private failings become public spectacle.

Dr. Kakulewski, quickly dubbed the "Massapequa Dentist," found his practice and life unraveling after the video, reportedly recorded by a disgruntled employee, spread like wildfire across social media platforms. The footage, showcasing a furious and volatile dentist unleashing a tirade of abuse, sparked outrage and quickly led to the revocation of his dental license. While many simply saw a story of workplace bullying, Jost and the filmmakers saw something deeper - a complex case study in the volatile nature of online shaming and the lasting consequences of a single, captured moment.

"Initially, I was skeptical," Jost admitted in a recent interview with The New York Times. "It's just kind of a strange thing to be making a movie about. Like, what do you even do with a movie about a dentist who yells at his employees?" The initial bewilderment, however, gave way to fascination. Jost discovered a story far more nuanced than the initial viral clip suggested. Bad Teeth aims to move beyond the initial outrage and explore the man behind the viral video, his motivations, and the fallout from his actions.

The documentary isn't a simple condemnation of Dr. Kakulewski. Instead, it attempts to understand the factors that contributed to his outburst, the pressures of running a business, and the personal demons that may have been at play. The film reportedly features interviews with former employees, patients, and even Dr. Kakulewski himself, offering multiple perspectives on the events that transpired. This multi-faceted approach distinguishes Bad Teeth from a typical true-crime or "cancel culture" documentary.

Jost's involvement is particularly intriguing. As a comedian accustomed to dissecting current events and cultural trends, he brings a unique perspective to the project. His presence also adds a layer of meta-commentary. He is, after all, a professional entertainer who operates within the same sphere of viral content and public scrutiny. The film subtly explores the parallels between Dr. Kakulewski's public downfall and the constant performance of identity in the digital age.

"I think what I like about it is that you feel like you're witnessing a little bit of everything," Jost explained. "It feels like there's a little bit of humanity in it, even if it's very strange." This acknowledgement of humanity, even in the face of seemingly irredeemable behavior, is a central theme of the documentary. It asks viewers to consider the complexities of human fallibility and the often-unforgiving nature of online judgment.

Bad Teeth taps into the larger cultural conversation surrounding viral fame and the relentless cycle of outrage that defines much of the internet. The documentary echoes themes explored in other recent works like The Social Dilemma and Ingrid Goes West, which examine the psychological and societal impacts of social media. However, Bad Teeth focuses on a more intimate and localized story, grounding the abstract concepts in the real-life consequences experienced by Dr. Kakulewski and those around him.

Jost's willingness to take on such an unusual project underscores his growing reputation as a documentarian willing to explore uncharted territory. Bad Teeth promises to be a thought-provoking and unsettling film, a darkly comedic meditation on the human condition in the age of viral videos. It's a reminder that even the most seemingly absurd stories can reveal profound truths about ourselves and the world we inhabit. The documentary is already generating significant buzz, and is expected to be a major talking point when it is released next month.