Novocaine Movie Review: Jack Quaid’s Superheroic Resilience to Body Tortures – All Gains, No Pains! Friday 14 March, 2025
Let’s be honest, we’ve all seen our fair share of superhero movies. The same old tropes, the same overpowered heroes…it can get a little stale. But what if I told you about a superhero who’s extremely relatable, and whose superpower is…well, the lack thereof?
Meet Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid), your average Joe. Assistant manager at a San Diego credit union, he spends his days pining after his goth co-worker, Sherry (Amber Midthunder), and playing RPGs with his best friend, Roscoe (Jacob Batalon). Sounds pretty normal, right? Except Nathan has a secret: he can’t feel pain.
Nicknamed “Novocaine” since childhood, his rare condition, congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP), has made him a target his whole life. Bullies in high school, isolation as an adult – it’s a life far from the typical superhero origin story. His condition is so severe he exists on a liquid diet to avoid accidentally biting his tongue off. But his desire to share a cherry pie with Sherry ignites a surprising turn of events.
When Sherry is kidnapped by a crew of hilariously inept Santa-suit-clad criminals, Nathan must overcome his lifelong aversion to danger. This isn’t your typical superhero rescue; there are no laser beams or super strength here. Just Nathan, his body, and a whole lot of pain (that he can’t feel, thankfully).
The film, Novocaine, from directing duo Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, is a unique blend of action-comedy and thriller. It’s a loving parody of superhero tropes while simultaneously normalizing Nathan’s unique challenges. It’s brutal, hilarious, and oddly heartwarming. Think Deadpool meets Kick-Ass with a dash of Jackass.
Prepare for a wild ride with Novocaine himself as the rollercoaster. We’re talking shot, stabbed, punched, kicked, burned, choked – the works. Fingernails are pulled out, he’s hung upside down… it’s basically a highlight reel of accidental injuries. And the close-ups? Let’s just say it’s not for the faint of heart. But somehow, amidst the gore, Nathan’s resourcefulness shines through. His extensive reading fuels his ingenuity, making his extensive first aid knowledge unexpectedly useful. The booby traps in the criminals’ lair would make Kevin McCallister envious.
Novocaine isn’t just about the pain (or lack thereof). It’s about overcoming adversity, finding strength in vulnerability, and embracing the unexpected. Nathan’s deteriorating body becomes his weapon, his disability his unexpected superpower. The film even cleverly uses EpiPens as makeshift power-ups, reflecting his decreasing energy. Although the film plays with the concept of enduring pain for heroism, it sensitively includes disclaimers at the end, directing viewers to learn more about CIPA at raredisorders.com.
In a world saturated with superhero reboots and sequels, Novocaine is a breath of fresh air – a surprisingly funny, action-packed, and deeply relatable story. It’s different, it’s entertaining, and frankly, it’s unlike anything you’ve seen before. Will there be a sequel? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: Novocaine is a hero we deserve.
Novocaine slams into theaters March 14th
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Meet Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid), your average Joe. Assistant manager at a San Diego credit union, he spends his days pining after his goth co-worker, Sherry (Amber Midthunder), and playing RPGs with his best friend, Roscoe (Jacob Batalon). Sounds pretty normal, right? Except Nathan has a secret: he can’t feel pain.
When Sherry is kidnapped by a crew of hilariously inept Santa-suit-clad criminals, Nathan must overcome his lifelong aversion to danger. This isn’t your typical superhero rescue; there are no laser beams or super strength here. Just Nathan, his body, and a whole lot of pain (that he can’t feel, thankfully).
Prepare for a wild ride with Novocaine himself as the rollercoaster. We’re talking shot, stabbed, punched, kicked, burned, choked – the works. Fingernails are pulled out, he’s hung upside down… it’s basically a highlight reel of accidental injuries. And the close-ups? Let’s just say it’s not for the faint of heart. But somehow, amidst the gore, Nathan’s resourcefulness shines through. His extensive reading fuels his ingenuity, making his extensive first aid knowledge unexpectedly useful. The booby traps in the criminals’ lair would make Kevin McCallister envious.
Novocaine isn’t just about the pain (or lack thereof). It’s about overcoming adversity, finding strength in vulnerability, and embracing the unexpected. Nathan’s deteriorating body becomes his weapon, his disability his unexpected superpower. The film even cleverly uses EpiPens as makeshift power-ups, reflecting his decreasing energy. Although the film plays with the concept of enduring pain for heroism, it sensitively includes disclaimers at the end, directing viewers to learn more about CIPA at raredisorders.com.
Novocaine slams into theaters March 14th
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