Nathan Caine, the reserved junior bank manager in San Diego, becomes the unanticipated hero in “Novocaine”, thrashing all potential risks despite suffering from a rare condition called congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis or CIPA. This makes the otherwise risk-averse Nathan vulnerable to life-threatening injuries. Despite this, he valiantly intervenes when thieves abduct his love interest from the bank.
With less than one in 100 million people affected by CIPA, “Novocaine” takes a unique spin. Screenwriter Lars Jacobson questions if the insensitivity to pain could be leveraged as a superpower. This unusual narrative tries to capture the quirky humor that made “Deadpool” a crowd favorite, contrasting the predicaments of the pain-immune Nathan with Deadpool's restorative powers. The film explores what could happen if a “risk-averse boy turned action hero”.
Nathan, surviving into his mid-twenties by being extra cautious with his daily routines, finds his life turned upside down when his colleague Sherry gets abducted by robbers. Despite its dark undertones, the movie’s romance keeps the audience engaged, intriguing viewers with the reckless Nathan who continues to push his limits to rescue Sherry, despite woundings that would halt most individuals.
"Nathan's efforts are not without obstacles, however, as law enforcement remains suspicious of his involvement in the robbery, and his physical appearance doesn't exactly scream 'hero.' Moreover, the chemistry with his love interest Sherry, portrayed by Amber Midthunder, often feels forced. Yet, the performances by second-generation stars Jack Quaid and Ray Nicholson do make a noteworthy point of interest in this film's ensemble.
In the grand scheme, “Novocaine” delivers an electrifying story of a hero defeating odds with sheer resilience. Despite his congenital insensitivity to pain, Nathan’s journey emphasizes an inspirational tale of defiance, courage, and love.
