Over the last few years, *Novocaine* actor Jack Quaid has carved out a niche for himself by embodying the average person with a distinctive genre twist.
In *The Boys*, he portrays a regular individual thrust into a realm of superheroes. In *Star Trek: Lower Decks*, he takes on the role of an enthusiastic crew member aboard a starship. And in the forthcoming *Companion* (2025), he plays a seemingly friendly guy with a robotic girlfriend who has a dark side.
### Jack Quaid’s Performance in *Novocaine*
Quaid’s recent character in *Novocaine* carries forward his pattern of depicting relatable personas in extraordinary circumstances. He takes on the role of Nathan Caine, a gentle bank assistant manager who has congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA), a rare genetic condition that renders him unable to sense pain or temperature.
For Nathan, CIPA presents everyday obstacles. He must blend his food to prevent biting his tongue and uses timers for bathroom visits due to his inability to feel bladder pressure. However, when his love interest, Sherry (Amber Midthunder), is abducted, his condition unexpectedly turns into an asset. Nathan embarks on a determined quest to rescue her, facing stabbings, gunfire, and more. This adrenaline-fueled journey enables Quaid to excel, transforming a conventional action-comedy into an exhilarating experience.
### What Is *Novocaine* About?
At the beginning of *Novocaine*, Quaid fully embodies the “ordinary man” persona. Nathan goes through his daily habits—waking up, going to the bank, and secretly admiring Sherry. A coffee spill sparks a meet-cute, leading Sherry to invite him out for lunch and an art gallery event.
During their outing, they share their personal battles. Nathan opens up about being bullied because of his condition, which has led him to become socially withdrawn. Sherry confides in him about her past self-harm and challenging childhood in foster care. Their evening culminates in a sincere intimacy, leaving Nathan captivated.
At first glance, this scene appears as a typical first date, but Quaid’s blend of awkwardness and sincerity infuses true sweetness into his exchanges with Sherry. Midthunder’s character starts off reminiscent of the “manic pixie dream girl” trope—she even suggests Nathan try his first slice of pie—but as the narrative progresses, she showcases the same star quality that made her shine in *Prey* (2022).
The film takes a dramatic turn when a band of bank robbers abducts Sherry, propelling Nathan into action. Once again, Quaid embodies the everyman enmeshed in a drastic scenario. Having never used a gun or been involved in a brawl, he experiences comical moments fumbling through intimidation attempts. He struggles with bluffing but remains wholly dedicated to the mission.
### *Novocaine*’s Action Sequences Are Both Hilarious and Intense
What differentiates *Novocaine* is its innovative approach to traditional action motifs by introducing Nathan’s inability to perceive pain. A notable scene occurs during a brawl in a restaurant kitchen.
Kitchen confrontations are a hallmark of action films—recent successes like *John Wick 4* (2023) and *Monkey Man* (2024) feature intense culinary battles, while *The Raid 2* has set a high standard. However, *Novocaine* offers a new twist: Nathan’s pain insensitivity allows him to be fearless. He thrusts his hand into sizzling oil and wields a scalding skillet as a weapon. Although he may not be the most formidable fighter, his capacity to withstand severe injuries equalizes the odds.
Directors Robert Olsen and Dan Berk maintain the camera’s focus on Nathan, showcasing Quaid’s talent for physical comedy. His expressions—ranging from surprise to resolve—contribute to the film’s humor as he realizes his condition can be advantageous for survival.
As Nathan becomes more self-assured, his tactics for overcoming adversaries grow increasingly creative, even amidst the severe injuries he endures. One particularly striking moment involves him effortlessly slicing his arm open to extract a bullet while engaging in conversation as if nothing is amiss. The juxtaposition of his composed demeanor and his gruesome injuries delivers some of the film’s most comedic moments.
### A Thrilling, Pain-Free Adventure
*Novocaine* pulls no punches in putting Nathan through challenging situations, all while he remains surprisingly cheerful. While audiences typically dislike watching a protagonist suffer, Quaid’s portrayal makes it an absolute delight to experience.
*Novocaine* premieres in theaters on March 14.