NOVOCAINE

Directors
Dan Berk
Robert Olsen

Starring
Jack Quaid
Amber Midthunder
Ray Nicholson

Mild mannered Nathan Caine [Quaid] is an assistant bank manager living in San Diego with a unique condition: congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis. While not being able to feel pain sounds like an amazing gift, Nathan lives a quiet introverted existence, never socialising and living alone. That changes when he goes out with co-worker Sherry [Midthunder] and tries new things – like eating solid food. But when criminals rob his bank and take Sherry hostage, he steps completely outside of his comfort zone and hunts them down to get her back.

For the best part of twenty five years, action films have followed a fairly familiar line, thanks to the post-Bourne trend of “I look like a regular guy but I have a quirk that means I’m secretly an amazing badass” which frankly refuses to die. These are almost always delightfully absurd power fantasies about a lone (often white) man out on a quest to right a wrong. Taken, John Wick, Nobody, The Equaliser, all variations of the same sort of plot. The difference here is that, despite the capacity for ridicule (which the film admittedly indulges in), Novocaine is actually quite maturely handled and has a surprising amount of heart. And this may catch some off guard who were expecting this to be a laugh-a-minute comedy. Even Lorne Balfe and Andrew Kawczynski’s score work feels heartfelt and sincere – take the track Skinny Guy In A Suit for example. Sure, you get plenty of ominous rumblings and fast-paced rhythmic peril but there’s also an unexpected emotional resonance running throughout that sets Novocaine apart somewhat.

Of course, none of this earnestness would be achievable without the right casting. Yes, you have the usual suspects as cops, the nerdy online best friend and the various henchmen – but the trifecta of success here is Quaid as Nathan, Midthunder as Sherry, and Nicholson as the lead villain, Simon. All three fit their roles perfectly and know exactly what is required of them. Midthunder is charming and warm, helping Nathan open up and live a little, Nicholson plays towering psychotic cartoon villain with ease, and Quaid continues his long run of innocent everyman out of his depth. Now, do their respective arcs make complete logical and grounded sense? No, of course they don’t. Because this movie is entirely conscious that it is a lighthearted romp of extravagance and absurdity, in the same way something like Crank was.

While the plot and circumstances may be preposterous and unbelievable, the action is taken very seriously and tries to entertain the audience as much as humanly possible. As with John Wick and its ilk, Novocaine is really well shot and choreographed. Lots of fast paced camera moves and whips, brutal close-ups, gory detail, and high-octane moves that will have audiences going from wincing to cheering. In truth, it’s the very definition of stupid sadistic fun.

So, given the above praise, why isn’t this a 5/5? Sounds like a sure-fire hit right? Well, as much as this nonsense is entertaining, it’s also predictable, simplistic, at times consequence free, and survives largely due to the above points rather than having said elements elevate an already strong formula. In other words, if you like this kind of feature, you’ll have a great time, but it’s not reinventing the genre or a space for the actors to give their best work. It’s perfectly serviceable schlock that goes the distance. Which, for some, will be more than enough.

Release Date:
28 March 2025

The Scene To Look Out For:
Quaid is the reason this movie is good. Everything he’s honed over years of working on The Boys is present, and, most notably, the torture scene with Nathan pretending to be in pain to kill time until the cavalry arrives is him at his best.

Notable Characters:
**spoilers**
I said before that Midthunder is great as Sherry, but we can’t talk about how good she is until you address the twist in the middle of the film. On paper, Sherry is a thoroughly unforgiving role, a criminal with a heart of gold who falls for the nice guy. That right there? That’s weak writing. But in spite of that, Midthunder is able to craft a genuinely engaging character.

Highlighted Quote:
“Everybody is hiding something, I think we’re just looking for someone we can show it to.”

In A Few Words:
“Unabashed schlock but executed better than most.”

Total Score: 3/5