Novocaine: A Painfully Hilarious Ride Starring Jack Quaid
The international box office is buzzing about the misadventures of Nathan Kayne (Jack Quaid), an unassuming bank employee with a rare genetic condition that he turns into a weapon of vengeance. Let’s delve into what makes “Novocaine,” directed by the genre-bending duo Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, so appealing to audiences and critics alike.
A Most Unlikely Hero
Nathan Kayne is a solitary man in his prime. He works as an assistant manager at a bank, starts his day with healthy green smoothies, and his only friend is Roscoe (Jacob Batalon), his online gaming buddy. He even covers sharp corners at home and work with tennis balls. Why? Nathan suffers from Type IV sensory and autonomic neuropathy, an extremely rare nervous system disorder that, among other things, renders him unable to feel pain. He avoids solid foods (for fear of biting off his tongue), stays away from sharp objects, and sets a timer every three hours to remind himself to use the restroom.
Nathan’s childhood was a constant tug-of-war between the sheltered environment created by his parents and the cruelty of school. Once his classmates discovered his condition, he earned the nickname “Novocaine” and became a target for daily beatings. It’s no surprise that in his late twenties, Nathan is an introverted, socially awkward individual with an extensive library, a passion for video games, and a sprawling fantasy-themed tattoo covering most of his body. When fate brings him together with Sherry (Amber Midthunder), a bank teller, and a romance blossoms, Nathan begins to transform. But the day after their magical night, the bank is robbed by a gang of thugs who take Sherry hostage. Nathan decides to rescue his newfound love, turning his affliction into a superpower.
Body Horror Comedy?
While last year saw a surge in body horror films, “Novocaine” pioneers a surprising new genre: body horror comedy. Nathan possesses no knowledge of martial arts or weapons, which ruthless criminals readily exploit. However, thanks to his genetic anomaly, he shrugs off injuries that would cripple ordinary people, consistently emerging victorious. The camera revels in Nathan’s injuries with a Marquis de Sade-like enthusiasm. The filmmakers inflict a great deal of pain on their protagonist, in a variety of inventive ways. Trust us, searching for a gun in a working deep fryer is one of the least gruesome things that happens to Nathan.
Jack Quaid’s Star Turn
For Jack Quaid, his role as Nathan in Dan Berk and Robert Olsen’s film is arguably his first truly leading role. The actor, known for playing the neurotic Hughie in “The Boys” and the resentful Josh in the recent thriller “Companion,” feels perfectly at home in “Novocaine.” His restrained acting style and awkward demeanor perfectly suit his character, as if the role was written specifically for him. “Novocaine” also boasts an impressive cast of acting dynasty descendants: Raymond Nicholson, once again embracing madness, plays the main antagonist, a criminal with a complete lack of morality and a gallows sense of humor.
A Painful, Hilarious Ride
Some may find Lars Jacobson’s story predictable, while others may see it as a tribute to a time when action movies felt fresh. But ultimately, the plot in “Novocaine” is secondary, serving only as glue to connect the action sequences. These sequences, in turn, don’t compare to the fast-paced gunfights of “John Wick” or the full-contact combat of “The Raid.” However, Berk and Olsen clearly didn’t intend to compete with the masters of action. The directors have essentially crossed slapstick with body horror. What saves viewers from nausea is Quaid’s deadpan expression and lines like, “I only need eight nails anyway.”
“Novocaine” is a true festival of pain for love, a rollercoaster ride for jaded fans of Mr. Bean. Dan Berk and Robert Olsen’s action film lacks complex morality or an elaborate structure, but it’s full of boyish energy and surprising old-school optimism. And most importantly, it will surely turn Jack Quaid into a new kind of action hero: a humble guy without a hint of machismo or a square jaw, but with a big heart and the nobility of a true knight. Albeit a rather fragile one.