Novocaine is an action-comedy-romance film directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen. It stars a rising cast, including Jack Quaid, Amber Midthunder, Jacob Batalon, as well as Ray Nicholson, Betty Gabriel, and Matt Walsh. Jack Quaid—son of actor Dennis Quaid—has been gaining more recognition thanks to The Boys, Amber Midthunder made waves with Prey from the Predator franchise, and Jacob Batalon has been on the rise since the latest Spider-Man (MCU) movies. But can these three stars elevate Novocaine? Surprisingly, it’s not just the cast that stands out—the real shocker here is the script.
Nathan Caine (Quaid) is a young man with a rare neurological condition that makes him unable to feel physical pain. Working as an assistant manager at a small bank, he becomes infatuated with a new employee, Sherry (Midthunder). A certain event brings them closer, leading to an unforgettable night. Unfortunately, the next day, their workplace is robbed, and Sherry is taken hostage. Determined to save the woman he loves, Nathan uses every advantage he has—even his unusual condition—to track her down.
Going in with no expectations, who would’ve thought the audience would be laughing and gasping like this? The theater was filled with roaring laughter and wild screams—something you rarely experience these days. Novocaine might remind some of Crank, the Jason Statham film packed with insane, over-the-top action, where the protagonist is desperately hunting for an antidote to a deadly poison. While Novocaine has a different, fresher premise, it still embraces the exaggerated, ridiculous energy of a comedy. We pretty much know what’s coming, but Nathan’s “suffering” is such a unique and hilarious concept that it never gets old. The film cleverly plays with pain as its central gag, blending it seamlessly with romance and friendship in a way that feels surprisingly heartwarming.
When was the last time a torture scene was this entertaining? Probably never. Imagine Nathan having to fake agony just to make a torturing look convincing—it’s just one of many moments that will have audiences in stitches. The more painful it gets, the funnier it becomes. Crazy, right? Beyond the chaos, the romance is sweet and genuine. The dialogue is sharp and effective, fully supported by the main trio’s performances. No, it’s not Oscar-level (nor does it need to be), but they fit their roles perfectly. And that ending? Painful yet so satisfying.
With a fresh premise, a rock-solid script, and a stellar cast, Novocaine delivers brutal, unexpected hilarity packed with surprises. It’s a rare gem that innovates within its genre through its storytelling and execution. I truly hope this film finds success and further boosts its young stars. They’ve proven here that they could easily take on serious drama if given the right roles. Sadly, this highly entertaining movie isn’t family-friendly due to its blood-soaked, over-the-top violence. Who knew pain and ultra-brutal action could be this stunning and hilarious?
