NOVOCAINE

 

Novocaine (2025)
Rating: 7/10
Painfully entertaining, in the best way.

If Novocaine weren’t so incredibly bloody and violent, I’d probably describe it as a lighthearted film. It’s a mix of humor, romance, and ridiculousness—quite a fun ride overall.

Jack Quaid plays Nathan “Novocaine” Caine, an assistant bank manager who has a rare condition that makes him unable to feel physical pain. When a group of armed criminals robs the bank and takes Nathan’s new girlfriend, Sherry (Amber Midthunder), hostage, Nathan takes matters into his own hands to track down the gang and save her.

The central twist—that Nathan can be shot, beaten, burned, and basically put through hell without feeling a thing—makes for some pretty entertaining moments. Even though the humor doesn’t always hit the mark, the idea never gets old. Writer Lars Jacobson does a great job of keeping the concept fresh by coming up with creative ways to make Nathan endure more pain.

If you've seen the trailer, you've probably already been spoiled on some key scenes, but there’s at least one major twist that they thankfully kept under wraps, which adds an unexpected layer to the plot.

I’d rate it a 6.5 out of 10, but I’m rounding it up to 7—especially for the opening with Everybody Hurts by R.E.M. (though honestly, Comfortably Numb by Pink Floyd could’ve worked just as well).