Novocaine 4K 2025

Nathan Kane (Jack Quaid) has been unable to feel pain since birth—not a superpower, but rather a genetic malfunction. Coffee spilled on his lap? A knife cut? He doesn't care, as if his skin were made of titanium. He grew up in a bubble of overprotection, so interacting with people is more difficult for him than for the average guy. Especially when his new colleague Sherry Margrave (Amber Midfander) suddenly asks him out on a date. After some panic, embarrassment, and a couple of awkward phrases, they... have a great time. So much so that the next morning, Nathan is ready to confess his love to her. But his plans are ruined by a trio of masked men: Simon Greenlee (Ray Nicholson) and the Clark brothers (Conrad Kemp and Evan Hengst). Not only do they rob a bank and kill Nathan's boss, but they also kidnap Sherry. And then our “invulnerable” hero realizes it's time to step out of his comfort zone.

The “quiet guy becomes a hero” plot is hackneyed, but here it is taken to the point of absurdity. A guy who loses his voice at the sight of a girl is supposed to become an avenger? Absurd? Exactly! But that's the point. The film is not shy about its humor: from Nathan's ridiculous attempts at flirting to scenes where he, like the Terminator, uses everything at his disposal in battle.

But the faint of heart had better have some valerian on hand. Nathan's body (and not only his) is turned into something resembling Swiss cheese — holes, bruises, burns. Yes, everything is presented with irony, but the realism sometimes makes you cringe. It's no surprise that the film is rated 18+. And the running time is a bit long — 110 minutes for an action comedy where the plot “freezes” in the second half is a bold move. A couple of explosions or chases could have been cut out.

But don't think that it's all just shooting and jokes. There are some touching moments: for example, Nathan's virtual friend (Jacob Batalon, who played a similar role in Spider-Man), who becomes a real source of support. Or the hero's naive attempts to understand what feelings are. There is no depth here — the film does not try to be clever. Its goal is to entertain. And Novocaine does this brilliantly, especially thanks to the actors. Jack Quaid, a couple of weeks after The Companion, proves once again that he is a master of transformation. He is either a clumsy office plankton or a fearless fighter — and all with perfect comedic timing.

Novocaine is a dash of humor, a pinch of absurdity, and an overdose of action. A couple of unnecessary plot twists, a slightly drawn-out storyline, but the humor and absurdity make up for it. Perfect for an evening with friends. One viewing is enough.