YNOT at the Movies

We have seen many superheroes in movies. Many of them are not afraid of being hurt physically, sometimes they can even heal themselves. But what if a superhero who is immune to physical pain is a real human? That idea is the basis of the over-the-top "Novocaine" (USA 2025 | 110 min.), directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen. With a far-fetched plot, the movie attempts to deliver an action-packed dark comedy, but the filmmakers' lure to gruesome images makes the audience cringe in their seats. While the lead actor struggles to carry the film with excessive violence, the story becomes more and more preposterous.

The titular character is a meek and socially awkward gamer, Nate Caine (Jack Quaid), who works as the assistant manager at a local bank. He has a genetic disorder called congenital insensitivity to pain and gets the nickname Novocaine after he was punched and bullied in high school. Now, he lives solitarily, spending his time playing video games when off work. That suddenly changes after he becomes romantically involved with a cheerful employee, Sherry (Amber Midthunder). He falls for her right away.

Right before Christmas, three bank robbers dressed as Santa Claus come into the branch. They not only take the money and kill a few cops, but also take Sherry as a hostage when they flee. Nathan goes after the robbers with a single goal in mind—get Sherry back, no matter the cost and how many laws he may break.

One of the film's biggest issues is its gratuitous reliance on graphic gore. The concept of a protagonist who can't feel pain naturally lends itself to brutal action, but this film goes overboard with its depictions of bodily harm. Scenes of Nate's actions often feel more like shock tactics than meaningful storytelling. The film's attempts at dark humor only exacerbate the issue, as one-liners clash awkwardly with disturbingly graphic imagery.

Beyond the violence, the story itself is riddled with implausibilities. Nate transforms from a nerdy guy into a highly capable fighter with little preparation. While his inability to feel pain is meant to be to his advantage, the film ignores the fact that physical limitations should still affect him—he can still die from blood loss, can't he? The script, penned by Lars Jacobson, relies heavily on this gimmick, as if the viewers are watching a video game instead of a movie. Nate is probably one of the dumbest characters ever: he endures all the violence just to find out the robber's name, home address, and workplace because that's the logic Nate follows to rescue Sherry. Really?

Jack Quaid's portrayal of Nate lacks the charisma or presence needed to make the character either likable or believable. His attempts at dry humor feel forced. The lack of chemistry between Nate and Sherry makes all his heroic actions seem silly and cartoonish.

"Novocaine" ultimately gambles on its reliance on shock value, an implausible narrative, and a lead performance that fails to elevate the material. While some fans of extreme gore movies may find enjoyment in its relentless gruesomeness, others will be put off by it.

"Novocaine" opens on Friday, March 14, 2025.