Novocaine (2025) Film Review: Jack Quaid delights in this ultraviolent, black comedy smackdown
- reeltalkin'
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
"Meet Nathan Caine, he can't feel any pain" - a catchy, quirky tagline for an equally enjoyable film.
Directed by regular collaborators, Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, Novocaine centers on the titular everyman, Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid), a man born with the rare condition of not being able to experience any physical pain. When the girl of his dreams, bank co-worker Sherry (Amber Midthunder), is taken hostage by robbers, Caine stops at nothing to rescue her.
The movie also stars Jacob Batalon, fresh off his role as the loveable, dorky Ned Leeds in the MCU Spider-Man films. On a side note, it is very strange to hear this actor casually drop f-bombs and fight thugs off with a gun, but he still conveys effortless charm and wit.
However, the real star of the show here and what definitely elevates this film from your perhaps stale, predictable action romp is Jack Quaid as our leading man. This charismatic actor is solidifying his place in modern black comedies, recently creating a sound impression in the sci-fi thriller Companion (2025), released a couple of months ago. You cannot help but like the protagonist of Nate - he is a socially awkward, isolated character who finally meets someone he can be himself with and fully open up to. Quaid's humorous quips and reactions to his environment whilst fighting off goons and tracking down Sherry provide the most entertaining moments of the movie. It is a shame that most of these are given away in the trailer, but studios have to get bums in seats, I guess!
Aside from being genuinely funny and engaging, Novocaine is definitely not for the squeamish or the faint of heart. Gore fans will delight at the creativity of the injuries on display here, with poor Nate going through quite the ordeal for a girl he barely knows. If close-ups of fingers in an open gun wound, graphic torture, or LOTS of blood is an instant turn-off for you, I would give this one a miss just to be on the safe side! Sometimes the film does ask you to suspend your disbelief regarding its premise, as Nathan cannot feel pain, however, he does sustain several injuries which would probably have killed him, but we would not have the enjoyment of watching him overcome each challenge, so it is forgivable.
The fresh, original concept elevates this action comedy to new heights, with playful direction from Berk and Olsen, who deliver well paced fight sequences and epic slow motion moments celebrating Nathan's growing confidence in his abilities. Whilst the narrative may have become repetitive and numb, the film offers enough twists and entertaining character beats to deter any loss of interest. Simply put: it is a good time, especially at the cinema. Performances are all good (with Ray Nicholson also playing a delightfully slimy, intense bad boy) and Quaid effortlessly delivering on a likeable lead who is easy to root for.
Check out the trailer for Novocaine below, and please let me know your thoughts in the comments!
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