In Novocaine, directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen cook up a bruising, offbeat action-comedy that explores the life of Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid), a bank assistant manager with congenital insensitivity to pain (CIPA). Nathan’s condition, while seemingly advantageous, presents unique challengesāhe must set timers to remind himself to use the bathroom and subsists on a liquid diet to avoid injuring himself unknowingly. His mundane existence takes a dramatic turn when his co-worker and love interest, Sherry (Amber Midthunder), is kidnapped during a bank robbery. Determined to rescue her, Nathan embarks on a perilous journey, leveraging his inability to feel pain as an unexpected asset.
Jack Quaid shines as the endearing yet awkward Nathan, bringing a blend of humor and vulnerability to the role. Amber Midthunder’s portrayal of Sherry adds depth, especially as her character’s complexities unfold. The film’s action sequences are both inventive and intense, with Nathan enduring a series of brutal encounters that he navigates with surprising resilience.
However, Novocaine isn’t without its flaws. The film occasionally struggles with tonal consistency, oscillating between slapstick comedy and graphic violence, which may be jarring. Additionally, certain plot developments, particularly in the third part of the film, stretch plausibility and may leave audiences questioning the narrative’s coherence.
Despite these shortcomings, Novocaine offers a fresh take on the action-comedy genre, blending elements reminiscent of Crank and John Wick with a unique protagonist at its center. It’s a film that, while not perfect, delivers an entertaining and adrenaline-fueled experience.
RHFC Rating: 8/10 šæ
