Novocaine is a Thrill Ride That Never Goes Numb

Novocaine

★ ★ ★ ★

Novocaine is a bit of a unique approach to the reluctant, everyday “nobody,” who becomes a hero. In this film, Nate (Jack Quaid) is the assistant manager of a bank. He has tennis balls on the corners of his desk, in addition to other safeguards around his home and office. You see, Nate has a rare genetic disorder called congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis. CIPA for short.

Yes, I had to Google it. It’s a real condition affecting approximately 1 in 125 million people.

Basically, Nate can’t feel pain. At all.

The average life expectancy? 25 years. It says it in the movie, but I Googled that too.

Caught in a trap
© 2025 Paramount Pictures

This is why Nate has safeguards. He lives a boring, mundane life of safety. He’s already exceeded the life expectancy of CIPA and would like that trend to continue.

Nate also has a secret crush on Sherry (Amber Midthunder), a new coworker. They go on a couple of dates and become intimate quickly. She gets him to let down some of his safeguards.

Amber Midthunder as Sherry
© 2025 Paramount Pictures

When his bank is robbed, and Sherry is taken hostage, Nate decides it’s time to take action and save her life. He rescues a cop on his way out of the bank, but also steals the cop’s squad car and pistol.

What follows is an impressive succession of action sequences that are both inventive and exciting. You’ll quickly understand why someone with Nate’s condition doesn’t live long and will likely find yourself thankful, at least in some way, that you can feel pain.

On his heels is Detective Mincy (Betty Gabriel), who isn’t convinced Nate’s a villain. She’s not sure he’s a hero either. Her character is well written and a good contrast to her partner, Coltraine (Matt Walsh), who would rather be retired and collecting a pension.

Jack Quaid as Nate
© 2025 Paramount Pictures

There’s a twist midway through this film that you’ll probably see coming from a mile away. It’s okay. You’re supposed to. It works in the story because the script is so well written.

Novocaine is an excellent action film. It’s comedically bloody, brutal and violent. But it’s fun.

Quaid is proving himself quite the star lately and this film is likely to help his career trajectory.

Nate may not be able to feel pain, but I felt every blow he took. And I enjoyed every running minute of it.