‘Novocaine’: A Painfully Hilarious Ride Starring Jack Quaid
The international box office is buzzing about the misadventures of Nathan Kane (Jack Quaid), an unassuming bank employee with a rare genetic condition he turns into a weapon of vengeance. Let’s delve into why “Novocaine,” directed by the genre-bending duo Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, has captivated audiences and critics alike.
Jack Quaid as Nathan in “Novocaine”
An Unlikely Hero
Nathan Kane is a solitary man in his prime. He works as a deputy manager at a credit union, starts his day with healthy green smoothies, and his only friend is his online gaming partner, Roscoe (Jacob Batalon). He even covers sharp corners at home and work with tennis balls. 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 was nicknamed “Novocaine” and became a target for daily beatings. It’s no surprise that Kane entered his thirties as 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 Nathan together with Sherry (Amber Midthunder), a bank teller, a spark ignites between the colleagues, and the hero is transformed. But the day after their magical evening, the bank is robbed by a gang of thugs who take Sherry hostage along with the money. Nathan decides to rescue his beloved and turns his ailment into a superpower.
Raymond Nicholson as Simon Greenly in “Novocaine”
Body Horror Comedy?
While last year saw a surge in body horror films, “Novocaine” paves the way for a surprising new genre: body horror comedy. Kane has no knowledge of martial arts or weapons, which the ruthless bandits exploit. However, thanks to his genetic peculiarity, the hero ignores injuries that would be crippling to ordinary people and invariably prevails. The camera revels in Nathan’s injuries with the zeal of the Marquis de Sade; the filmmakers inflict damage on their protagonist extensively, lengthily, and creatively. Trust me, searching for a gun in a working deep fryer is the least of what happens to Kane.
Casting Perfection
For Jack Quaid, the role of Nathan in Dan Berk and Robert Olsen’s film is arguably his first truly leading role, and the actor, known as the neurotic Hughie from “The Boys” or the resentful Josh from the recent thriller “Companion,” is perfectly cast in “Novocaine.” His restrained acting style and awkward mannerisms suit his character as if the role were written specifically for Quaid. “Novocaine” has assembled an outstanding cast of acting dynasty heirs: the main antagonist is played by a rampaging Raymond Nicholson, who also seems very comfortable in the role of a criminal with a complete lack of morality and a hangman’s sense of humor.
Jack Quaid as Nathan in “Novocaine”
A Familiar, Yet Fresh Story
Some may find the story, written by Lars Jacobson, banal, while others may see it as a tribute to a time when action films felt fresh. But, ultimately, the script in “Novocaine” is secondary and exists only as glue connecting the action scenes. These, in turn, are no match for the fast-paced shootouts of “John Wick” or the full-contact of “The Raid.” However, Berk and Olsen clearly didn’t plan to compete with the best action filmmakers. The directors have literally crossed slapstick with body horror – the audience is saved from nausea by Quaid’s stone face and another comment along the lines of “I only need eight nails anyway.”
“Novocaine” is a true festival of pain for love, a rollercoaster for jaded fans of Mr. Bean. Dan Berk and Robert Olsen’s action film lacks complex morality or an elaborate structure, but it is full of boyish energy and surprising old-school optimism. And, most importantly, it will surely turn Jack Quaid into a new action hero – a modest 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.