Novocaine centers on Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid), a reserved bank clerk afflicted with CIPA – a rare condition rendering him incapable of perceiving physical pain. When his colleague and burgeoning love interest, Sherry Margrave (Amber Midthunder), is taken hostage during a violent robbery, Nathan is compelled to leverage his unique ailment as an unexpected advantage in his attempt to rescue her. However, he soon discovers that the situation is more complex than it initially appears.
I was initially impressed by Jack Quaid’s performance in The Boys, and his career trajectory has been remarkable since then. The most recent film featuring him that I reviewed was Companion. Between that film and this one, he has taken on three additional roles, making him one of the most prolific actors working in Hollywood today.
Quaid’s portrayal in Novocaine aligns with a character archetype he has increasingly become associated with: the seemingly unassuming individual who harbors a hidden darkness. In this instance, the darkness is presented with comedic undertones, yet the performance remains compelling.
The concept of a character unable to experience physical pain has been explored in films such as Kick Ass and the Bond film The World Is Not Enough. However, Novocaine elevates the premise. It achieves a greater sense of realism while simultaneously utilizing the concept for effective comedic purposes. The filmmakers have also exercised restraint to maintain plausibility, carefully considering the cumulative effects of trauma on the human body.
The film contains several graphic scenes, including one involving pliers and nails, and another that may alter your perception of deep fryers. However, thanks to Jack Quaid’s performance and the directors’ measured approach, the film strikes a successful balance between humor and violence.
Jack Quaid is the son of Dennis Quaid, but Novocaine also features Ray Nicholson, son of Jack Nicholson. Ray Nicholson is another talent to watch. While I appreciated his brief appearance in Smile 2, Novocaine provides him with a greater opportunity to demonstrate his capabilities.
Novocaine is directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, the creative team behind Villains and Significant Other, marking their most ambitious project to date. The screenplay is by Lars Jacobson, and Novocaine represents the inaugural film from FilmNation Entertainment’s new production division, Infrared.
The physical 4K UHD release of Novocaine offers a genuinely impressive visual and auditory experience. The image is presented in Native 4K (2160p) with both Dolby Vision and HDR10. Novocaine employs a deliberately raw aesthetic, incorporating elements of cinematic grain to enhance its gritty atmosphere. HDR enhances the depth in darker scenes, particularly noticeable during the film’s evening-set climax.
The audio is presented in high-resolution Dolby Atmos, delivering a potent and immersive sound mix. Given the film’s intense fight sequences, every sonic nuance is effectively rendered. While the surround sound is somewhat restrained, it suits the film’s requirements, providing a subtle yet enveloping ambiance. The release also includes a wealth of supplemental materials, including several informative documentaries and a variety of other features.
Novocaine is both brutally violent and darkly humorous. The high-quality UHD release further enhances its appeal. However, the film’s particular brand of pitch-black humor and graphic content may not appeal to all viewers.
SF Studios provided review copies for this assessment. Provision of these materials does not influence our editorial process. Our reviews are conducted independently, with the interests of our readers and consumers as our priority.
