Jack Quaid takes the lead in Novocaine, a high-energy action thriller directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen. Blending romance, dark humor, and brutal combat, the film introduces Nate Caine, a reserved bank manager suffering from a congenital nerve condition that renders him impervious to pain. Cautious and withdrawn, Nate avoids anything that could test his limits, from hot drinks to social interactions. His world shifts when Sherry, a charming new teller at the bank, asks him out.
Sherry, having endured a tough upbringing in foster care, has built emotional walls around herself, while Nate was bullied endlessly as a child, earning him the cruel nickname “Novocaine.” The two find solace in each other’s company, but their newfound connection is shattered when a gang of violent bank robbers, led by a ruthless ex-special forces soldier, storms their workplace. The criminals execute their heist with chilling precision, kill their boss, and take Sherry hostage. For the first time in his life, Nate refuses to stand by passively. Stealing a police car, he sets out in pursuit, only to become a fugitive himself as law enforcement mistakes him for an accomplice.
The film opens with a surprisingly heartfelt and character-driven romance before shifting gears into relentless, high-stakes action. Nate discovers that his ability to withstand pain can be a weapon, propelling him into brutal, high-impact fights. His only lifeline is Roscoe, an online gamer friend he has never met in person, who guides him remotely as his “man in the chair.”
With its mix of high-energy combat, dark humor, and an underdog-turned-warrior narrative, the film draws comparisons to Crank, Upgrade, and Nobody. Jack Quaid delivers a performance that defies expectations, proving his versatility beyond his preppy image. While some characters’ choices may feel inconsistent, the film’s adrenaline-fueled pacing and inventive action sequences make it an engaging ride. With Novocaine and Companion both in theaters, Quaid cements himself as a rising star in the action genre, proving that his talent extends far beyond his Hollywood lineage.
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