Novocaine (2025) is a neo noir black comedy that begins with a sharp bite and spirals into a tangled web of deception. Jack Quaid stars as Nathan Caine, a mild mannered bank assistant manager in San Diego who suffers from congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA), rendering him unable to feel pain. His orderly life unravels when his colleague and love interest, Sherry Margrave (Amber Midthunder), is kidnapped during a violent bank robbery.
We have got so many movies about guy wanting to rescue the love of his live and beating up bad guys. What sets this apart is the fact that ‘Nathan’ doesn’t feel any pain, line none or whatsoever. So that adds to the comedic factor and makes it fun to watch. Other than that it’s just plain old boring story.
While Novocaine excels in building suspense and maintaining its darkly comedic tone, it falters in its final act. The resolution feels somewhat rushed and contrived, leaving certain plot points dangling. Nevertheless, the film remains a stylish and engaging thriller, anchored by Quaid’s strong performance and Midthunder’s captivatingly ambiguous turn.
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