Vigilante with Rare Disorder Brings Unique Action to ‘Novocaine’

LOS ANGELES, CA — A Hollywood screenwriter has turned a life-threatening disorder into the unique premise for the upcoming film “Novocaine,” featuring Nathan Caine, a mild-mannered San Diego bank manager with congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA). Set to hit theaters on March 14, the film stars Jack Quaid as Nathan, who must overcome his cautious nature to rescue his crush in an unexpected act of heroism.

CIPA is a rare condition that affects fewer than one in 100 million people, meaning that Nathan’s inability to feel pain could lead to severe, life-threatening injuries. His cautious lifestyle, characterized by drinking meals through a straw and taking precautions against minor injuries, highlights his condition. In a strikingly ironic turn, Nathan, dubbed “Novocaine” by classmates, must abandon his careful demeanor when three bank robbers take his colleague Sherry (Amber Midthunder) hostage.

In the film’s sneak preview, which occurred on March 8, Nathan’s sudden shift from a risk-averse banker to a berserk vigilante creates a compelling juxtaposition. Screenwriter Lars Jacobson challenges traditional action hero tropes by suggesting that CIPA might actually serve as a superpower for Nathan. Co-directors Berk and Olsen aim for a tone reminiscent of the irreverent hit “Deadpool,” with Nathan’s journey serving both comedic and thrilling purposes.

At the film’s core, Nathan’s struggle is relatable for those who have faced physical or emotional challenges. His efforts to navigate dating and social interactions are underscored by themes of vulnerability, especially when Sherry stirs his curiosity about the limits of his condition. When the robbers, dressed in Santa costumes, burst into the bank and take Sherry hostage, Nathan’s sense of urgency propels him into action.

Despite the film’s ultraviolent scenes, including graphic moments where one robber, played by Ray Nicholson, brutally assaults a bank worker, Nathan’s character is portrayed with depth, grappling with his shyness and past abuses. Critics have noted a lack of nuance in the character’s development, falling short of an authentic portrayal of CIPA, yet these moments of vulnerability are crucial in establishing his motivations.

Facing off against a formidable foe, Zeno (Garth Collins), Nathan employs ingenuity by utilizing broken glass to enhance his fighting style. These inventive tactics amplify the film’s central question: how far will Nathan go to save Sherry, and what will it cost him?

The chemistry between Quaid and Midthunder has received mixed reviews, potentially detracting from the film’s momentum. As the action unfolds, the combination of nostalgia through references to classic films and the modern twist on the vigilante genre crafts an experience that balances humor and thrill.

With the backdrop of Hollywood’s recent interest in action films starring second-generation actors—’nepo babies’—the casting choices of Quaid and Nicholson reinforce the film’s appeal. Ultimately, “Novocaine” aims to entertain audiences while probing deeper themes of human resilience amidst adversity.