Can you genuinely envision a life devoid of pain? As someone who has a low-pain threshold, the idea sounds utterly enchanting. A visit to the doctor would be a mere formality, free from the usual anxiety that comes with a painful examination. The dentist’s chair? It would feel like a comfy recliner — no discomfort or nerves, just straightforward care for my teeth. And childbirth? I would be tempted to sign up for five experiences without hesitation!
However, having gone through it once, I can confidently say that one was more than sufficient for me. The reality of pain, though, often unwelcome, reminds us of our humanity and the profound journey of life.
In the new action-comedy film, Novocaine, our protagonist, Nathan Caine (portrayed by Jack Quaid), has a rare genetic disorder known as “congenital insensitivity to pain analgesia,” which means he cannot feel pain. Although this may seem advantageous, it presents significant challenges in his life.
Nathan avoids solid food for fear of biting his tongue, caps his pencils with putty and places tennis balls on all the sharp edges in his office to prevent unknowingly injuring himself. However, as the audience will see, this condition turns Nathan into a sort of superhero, whether he embraces it or not.
As an assistant bank manager, Caine lives a solitary life. He keeps to himself, going through the motions during the day and returning home to play World of Warcraft with his only friend, whom he has never met in person.
We soon learn he’s been interested in a young lady who works at the bank, Sherry (played by Amber Midthunder). One day, while Nathan is pouring himself a cup of coffee (on ice, of course), she surprises him, and he burns his hand. She offers to buy him lunch, which he reluctantly but happily accepts. This leads to him going out with her that evening, and sparks fly!
Everything is going well for Nathan. That is, until a trio of bank-robbing Santas enters the bank and takes Sherry hostage.
The team behind Novocaine isn’t one I’m overly familiar with. Directed by filmmakers Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, their recent films include Villains (2019) and Significant Other (2022). The script was written by Lars Jacobsen, whose last credit was Day of the Dead: Bloodline (2017). Despite having a limited portfolio, I am truly amazed by their work on this film. The care and expertise are evident, and I hope this serves as a launching pad for this crew to create more action films together.
Jack Quaid has experienced an incredible few years as an actor. From the series The Boys (2019 to present) to movies like Scream (2022), Oppenheimer (2023) and his latest project, Companion (2025), one could argue that Quaid is among the hottest actors in Hollywood right now and likely for years to come. His performance in this film is nothing short of extraordinary.
Quaid possesses a boy-next-door charm that makes him an ideal candidate for a wide range of roles. In Novocaine, that youthful charm and awkwardness effectively create sympathy for his character. We want Nathan to find love and succeed, and as he musters the courage to pursue his love interest, we become invested! It also adds a sense of realism to the scenario.
Although Quaid’s character has the upper hand because he cannot feel pain, that doesn’t mean he’s become a big, strong tough guy. Oh, no. Even amidst intense action sequences, Nathan asks his opponent, “Are you OK?” or “I hope you’re not gluten-free!” If you’ve seen the film’s poster, Nathan almost resembles a human voodoo doll with all the wild things that happen to him, but he continues his journey to save Sherry, despite his injuries.
The best part of this movie is the various injuries Nathan sustains, while still managing to carry on. He also uses his body as a weapon, and the creativity will amaze you. The level of body horror in this film is intense! Horror fans will enjoy this as much as those who love action. I was squirming in my seat, partly from the body horror and partly because I watched this movie in 4DX, which I highly recommend. What a ride!
Novocaine features a strong supporting cast. Midthunder is a star in her own right; I adored her in Prey (2022), which delighted Predator fans. She is a stunning woman with expressive eyes. In Novocaine, she demonstrates her range as an actress, bringing both softness and resilience that blend seamlessly into the film’s storyline. The chemistry between her and Quaid is impeccable — one of the more believable love interests I’ve seen in a long time.
Jacob Batalon portrays Nathan’s online friend, Roscoe, consistently delivering perfectly timed comedy on screen, as demonstrated in the Spider-Man films. The two detectives, played by Matt Walsh and Betty Gabriel, add another layer of one-liner humor that had me giggling. A surprising appearance for me was Ray Nicholson as one of the bank robbers, Simon. He’s having a standout year as an actor with Smile 2 (2024) and the upcoming Borderline (2025), co-starring with Samara Weaving.
I experienced this in a packed theater, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! The comedy is top-notch, even if some dry jokes didn’t resonate with everyone. The theater was filled to capacity with laughter. Not only that, but the yells and groans from the body horror were wild! We all cringed and squirmed simultaneously, making it one of the best theater experiences I’ve had in years.
As I mentioned, this was shown in a 4DX theater, which provides an interactive experience with motion-enabled chairs, water mist, blasts of air on your neck, and more! It sounds intense, but trust me, if you’re a fan of amusement parks like I am, this is your thing. All this occurs mainly during the action sequences and it’s worth it.
If you believe you can accurately predict the plot of this film, you’re in for a surprise. The narrative is a labyrinth of unforeseen twists and intricate turns that kept me gripping the edge of my seat, perpetually guessing what would unfold next. The experience was reminiscent of navigating through an immersive video game, where each decision feels pivotal. In this captivating journey, Nathan emerges as our charismatic and audacious guide, embodying the role of a third-person shooter with flair, leading us through electrifying challenges and dramatic revelations that continually subvert our expectations.
Amidst a rich tapestry of romance, sharp comedy, graphic gore and exhilaratingly over-the-top action sequences, a thrilling sense of adventure invites us to join Nathan on his epic quest. I found myself completely engrossed in the storyline, feeling as if I were right there alongside him, navigating the challenges and triumphs he faced. This film truly encapsulates the escapism that only cinema can offer, transporting its audience into a breathtaking world filled with excitement and wonder. Moments like these remind us of the genuine magic of the movies!
I rate Novocaine a four-and-a-half out of five stars. Exceedingly entertaining, this body horror-not horror movie will leave you cringing with delight. I recommend seeing it in a packed theater for maximum enjoyment!
And as the beginning song of the film reminds us: “Everybody hurts…. sometimes.”