Novocaine, a 2025 American action comedy, was directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen and written by Lars Jacobson. The movie was released in the United States by Paramount Pictures on March 14, 2025.
Nathan Cane (Jack Quaid) is diagnosed with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA). He works as an assistant manager at a trust credit union in San Diego and has a crush on his co-worker, Sherry Margave (Amber Midthunder). Despite his feelings, he’s hesitant to ask her out due to his condition and lack of romantic experience. One day, Sherry accidentally spills coffee on him, sparking an unexpected connection. In response, Nathan agrees to meet her for lunch. As they spend more time together, the two begin to open up, eventually developing romantic feelings for one another.
The next morning, on Christmas Eve, a gang of robbers targets the credit union and takes Sherry hostage. Motivated by love and desperation, Nathan steals a police car and sets off on a dangerous mission to rescue her.
The premise is both intriguing and entertaining, leaning more toward dark comedy, which might not appeal to everyone. Still, it’s a solid script that offers a fun dose of entertainment. Jack Quaid delivers a strong performance, fully embodying his character who lives with CIPA and literally feels ‘no pain.’ The pacing is tight, never lingering too long on any one scene, and the film’s over-the-top, bizarre, and graphically comical action sequences add to its appeal. While not always believable, the absurdity is part of the fun and fits the movie’s quirky unusual tone.
Overall, this movie is an enjoyable ride, packed with bloody action and a mix of hit-or-miss humor as long as you go in without high expectations.
