Released on March 14, 2025, Novocaine is a dark action-comedy film that is quirky and different from most action films. Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, with Lars Jacobson as the screenwriter, the film features a uniquely intriguing premise: it centers on a person with a rare condition called CIPA (Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis) — meaning they cannot feel pain. But don’t expect this to be a serious medical drama. On the contrary, the film balances brutal violence with dark humor that leaves you unsure whether to look away or laugh. Novocaine has a rating of 6.5/10 on IMDb, based on reviews from 50,000 viewers across various countries. Here’s what they’re saying:
From Pain-Averse Guy to Instant Hero
We are introduced to Nathan Caine (Jack Quaid), a bank assistant manager who lives a super cautious life. Not because he is afraid, but because his body cannot signal pain. So his life requires a set of rules: his food must be liquid, his bathroom breaks are scheduled, and every corner of his house is padded for safety.
But everything changes when he starts getting close to Sherry (Amber Midthunder), one of his coworkers who makes his heart feel warm. Before they could even start dating, the bank where they work is robbed by a group of people dressed as Santa Claus, and Sherry is kidnapped. Without hesitation, Nathan chases after them. Without hesitation, Nathan recklessly chases after them. From there, the story becomes a mix of bloody escapes, silly action scenes, and moments that make you laugh while feeling a bit uneasy.
“Comedian” with CIPA
CIPA here isn’t just a gimmick. It’s actually the main element that makes this film unique. Imagine scenes where Nathan dips his hand into hot oil or walks with broken bones. Scary, but it’s funny. All of this is presented like slapstick comedy—hilarious but bloody. The website Bloody-Disgusting even calls the film a “disgusting blast” that’s naughty but addictive. The humor is weird, creepy, but also incredibly funny.
Brutal Action with a Comedic Twist
Berk and Olsen know exactly how to make violent scenes feel theatrical. The camera doesn’t rush to move—every stab, kick, and fall is shown with style. So even though it’s full of blood, the audience can’t help but laugh out loud. Unfortunately, the repeated scenes in the middle to the end make the film feel a bit hollow.
Seamless Acting and Chemistry
Jack Quaid’s performance is hilarious. He portrays Nathan as a relatable character: nervous, awkward, but willing to do reckless things for the person he loves. Amber Midthunder also delivers a top-notch performance as Sherry. Their chemistry feels super natural, not forced at all. Additionally, Ray Nicholson as the cold and terrifying villain adds a roller-coaster-like tension to the story. Supporting characters like Jacob Batalon also provide light-hearted moments that add color.
A Simple Romance That Drives You Crazy
The love story is simple: eating together, first kiss, then a night full of hope. But it’s those small moments that push Nathan to take crazy actions. Sure, from the outside, his motivation seems trivial. But with good chemistry, everything feels plausible (and makes you smile to yourself).
The Bitter Reality That Satisfies
Novocaine doesn’t end with a cheesy happy ending. There are no dramatic hugs or forced moral messages. Instead, there’s the bitter reality: Nathan doesn’t feel physical pain, but he’s not immune to the pain of a broken heart. It’s not the story of a hero, but the story of a man diving into a crazy world for love.
This film doesn’t invite us to applaud Nathan’s heroic actions. Novocaine instead shows how love can be utterly bizarre—it can make people reckless, but it can also backfire. The film does have its flaws, but it’s still satisfying.
The Ace Dark Jokes!
If you like unconventional films, enjoy laughing in the middle of bloody scenes, or are interested in unique ideas like CIPA, Novocaine could be an intriguing choice. It’s an entertaining and bold film that plays in the gray area between pain and laughter. Despite its flaws, it’s one of the more enjoyable films to watch. Are you just getting interested in watching Novocaine, or have you already seen it? Leave a comment below!
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