Nathan Caine, the protagonist of the new action-comedy "Novocaine," portrayed by Jack Quaid, possesses a unique condition that renders him incapable of sensing pain. This intriguing premise, however, takes a darkly comedic turn as the tagline suggests that while Nathan may be pain-free, the same cannot be said for the audience who experiences his harrowing journey. The film elicits visceral reactions, with scenes of extreme violence prompting involuntary gasps and groans from viewers, enhancing the communal theater experience.
"Novocaine," directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen and written by Lars Jacobson, appeals particularly to those who enjoyed the action-driven narratives of films like "John Wick" but found them lacking in sheer brutality. The concept of congenital insensitivity to pain analgesia (CIPA), which is rare in real life, serves as a double-edged sword for Nathan. He academically describes how this condition, while seemingly advantageous, places him in precarious situations where he can still suffer potentially fatal consequences, such as not relieving himself or inadvertently injuring himself during mundane activities.
Nathan, with his cautious demeanor, leads a monotonous life as an assistant manager at a bank and devotes his free time to playing online video games. The film's opening features the melancholic R.E.M. song "Everybody Hurts," setting a tone of underlying sadness amidst the absurdity. Nathan’s life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Sherry, played by Amber Midthunder, a teller at his bank who initiates a whirlwind romance. Their budding relationship is abruptly interrupted by a violent bank robbery, which sees Sherry taken hostage by a gang led by Ray Nicholson, a notable figure in the genre.
As the chaos escalates, Nathan's desperation leads him to steal a police car in an attempt to rescue Sherry. Despite receiving warnings from an injured police officer not to intervene, the narrative compels him into taking reckless action. This plot point raises questions about Nathan's motivations; the film lacks a strong justification for why he feels uniquely equipped to save Sherry, especially considering the involvement of law enforcement.
Throughout "Novocaine," the absurdity of Nathan's exploits serves primarily to facilitate further comedic violence. The plot involves various comedic scenarios, including altercations in a restaurant kitchen, an interrogation at a tattoo parlor, and a visit to a booby-trapped house. The film even references the classic movie "Home Alone," reflecting its self-awareness of genre tropes.
Despite similarities to other recent unsuccessful action comedies, such as "Love Hurts," "Novocaine" stands out for its execution, style, and clever comedic timing. One particularly clever sequence finds Nathan convincing his mad captor to prolong his torture, thus buying time for his friend to come to the rescue. Nevertheless, the film struggles with pacing, at times feeling drawn out with too many resolutions, which detracts from the overall experience.
"Novocaine," which will be released in theaters on Friday, is rated R for its strong, bloody violence, language throughout, and grisly imagery. The film has a runtime of 110 minutes and offers a blend of dark humor and action that, while enjoyable, may not offer a painless viewing experience.
