Inventive action sequences that take advantage of a character who can’t feel pain and terrific performances by Jack Quaid and Amber Midthunder allow Novocaine to succeed.
Comfortably Numb
Nathan Caine (Quaid) is an introverted, risk-averse assistant manager at a Credit Union. He has a rare condition that makes him impervious to pain, but this comes with nasty side effects. For example, he can bite his tongue off and not know.
After Sherry (Midthunder) spills coffee on Nathan’s hand, she offers to buy lunch, and he accepts and appreciates the taste of pie (not a euphemism) for the first time. He meets Sherry again at an art exhibit, where they run into a former classmate of Nathan’s. He bullied Nathan in Middle School and dropped the nickname “Novocaine,” which Sherry says is a cool name.
After sleeping together, Sherry is kidnapped during a robbery. Nathan decides to go after the kidnappers to save Sherry.
Quaid finds just the right notes when playing Nathan. This is the type of character whose hesitancy could be annoying. Nathan never reaches this line, and to the film’s credit, Lars Jacobson’s script shows a darker edge to Nathan. Then, when he goes on his quest, the lengths he’s willing to go approach believability. Midthunder makes Sherry irresistible.
Novocaine‘s not perfect. Roscoe (Jacob Batalan), Nathan’s online and only friend, doesn’t have much to do in the film. Batalan is playing a more reluctant version of the guy-in-the-chair type of character he played in the Tom Holland Spider-Man films. The decisions made by Officer Mincy Langston (Betty Gabriel) once she arrives at the bank following the kidnap are ludicrous. I enjoyed her partner Coltraine Duffy’s (Matt Walsh) lack of enthusiasm throughout the case. The antagonists are not particularly interesting, as the twist involving the robbers is predictable.
However, Quaid makes the ride following the robbery worth it, even if there are some pains along the way.
Novocaine in action
The action sequences ride a fine line.
There’s plenty of comedy, given that Nathan’s out of his depth. He’s not a fighter by any stretch. However, as the film progresses, Nathan begins to push the envelope his body can take.
These setpieces aren’t just played for comedic effect. They are also brutal, with each action sequence becoming more gruesome as Novocaine goes along. If you have watched the trailer, you’ve seen the scene with the cast iron pan. That’s easily the least brutal moment in the film.
Hiding Scars
At one point, Cherry tells Nathan everyone has scars. Nathan and Cherry possess external and internal marks that make their connection plausible. Otherwise, there’s no way Nathan’s in Cherry’s league.
Nathan’s internal scar is his condition, which leads to him mostly being a recluse with a big heart. He doesn’t hesitate to give grace to an elderly man who was late on his loan repayment following his wife’s demise. Nathan also has external markings via the tattoos all over his body, which he did himself. The tattoo represents a story without an ending.
Without going into spoilers, Cherry also has scars she’s hiding that are physical and below the surface.
Novocaine Final Thoughts
Novocaine rides in the same lane as 2024’s The Beekeeper, starring Jason Statham. The plot and logic of the supporting characters is lacking, but the lead performances, brutal action and surprisingly touching moments make Novocaine a surprisingly fun March film.
Novocaine is a slightly better film than The Beekeeper. The action sequences are more brutal, but there’s a nice helping of levity. The key difference is Quaid’s committed, nuanced performance that draws you in throughout the runtime.
Novocaine
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Very Good - 7.5/107.5/10
