Trigger Warning: The film features excessively violent action sequences that may be troubling for sensitive viewers. This review will touch on a few of such moments.
Sometimes you see a trailer for a movie and your immediate reaction is not only have you seen this somewhere before, but you generally know what you’re about to get yourself into. While Novocaine, a story by Lars Jacobson (Day of the Dead: Bloodline) directed by Dan Berk (Villains) and Robert Olsen (Villains), isn’t entirely original, it’s a hilarious romantic comedy action thriller with over-the-top violence and gore that is giving Oz Perkin’s The Monkey (2025) a run for its money. It is in tune with the violence of Terrifier (2016) or Hostel (2005) or a later entry in the SAW franchise (2004 – on-going), certainly not for a squeamish audience, and will, contrary to its leading man who boasts of not being able to feel pain, leave the audience doubled over from laughing too hard.
L-R: Amber Midthunder as Sherry and Jack Quaid as Nate in NOVOCAINE from Paramount Pictures. © 2025 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
The movie focuses on Nathan (Nate) Caine (Jack Quaid) (yes, that is his name and no, its not why he ends up being called Novocaine) as he is the assistant manager at a local bank and is a quiet nerd, spending his nights gaming with his online friend Roscoe (Jacob Batalon). This is all until Sherry (Amber Midthunder), a coworker, decides to start paying him some attention after accidentally dumping an entire cup of coffee on him. Nate is elated that the “girl of his dreams” shows even the slightest amount of interest in him. They have some fun at a bar after hours, spend a nice night together. At work the next day, Nate is trying to figure out how talk to Sherry some more but some Santa Clauses come in and crash the party robbing the bank. As the Santas miscalculated their timing and the cops appear quicker than they intended, the Santas get into the vault and then kidnap Sherry. Nate makes it his mission to find Sherry and ensure her safety.
Jack Quaid as Nate in NOVOCAINE from Paramount Pictures. © 2025 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
While the police get involved in the form of Mincy and Coltraine (Betty Gabriel and Matt Walsh), they start to think that Nate is in on the heist as he was the one who opened the fault and is now chasing down a fellow employee who was kidnapped. However, the audience quickly discovers the identities of the Santas as Simon, Andre, and Ben (Ray Nicholson, Conrad Kemp, and Evan Hengst, respectively). As Nate slowly finds out where Sherry is and manages to leave a trail of graphic destruction in his path, the action, violence, and laughter never let up and create a truly adrenaline-packed romantic comedy that is more chaotic and violent than anything else.
Ray Nicholson as Simon in NOVOCAINE from Paramount Pictures. © 2025 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Novocaine genuinely should not work as well as it does and, moreover, should not nearly be as entertaining as it is, but, because of all of that, it is one of the most surprising movies of the year thus far. A movie that looks like just dumb fun meant for couples and friends turns out to be one of the year’s most insane pictures thus far and is thanks to literally everyone involved. Jacobson understands the careful line to teeter between action, comedy, romance, and chaos and manages to never lean too far in any direction except for the gore, which is excessive, but that’s what makes Novocaine so great, it’s unexpected and gruesome. Berk and Olsen’s abilities to direct and capture everything without making the audience feel like they’re going through whiplash is another incredible notch in the belt of this chaotic adventure. And then there’s the case, which brings this gory delight to the forefront. Quaid (Companion), who’s on a roll this year, plays the “boyfriend” who goes to whatever lengths he needs to get what he wants. Midthunder (Prey) is incredible as Sherry who is vulnerable, carries her own, and brings heart and passion to the movie. Nicholson (Smile 2), Kemp (Redeeming Love), and Hengst (The Kissing Booth trilogy) play essentially the three stooges of robbers and their characters are hilarious and passionate. However, it is Walsh (Elf; Ted) who adds the absolute madness to every frame he is in.
L-R: Matthew Walsh as Coltraine and Betty Gabriel as Mincy in NOVOCAINE from Paramount Pictures. © 2025 PARAMOUNT PICTURES. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Creatively, Novocaine struggles to identify the type of audience it wants as its over-the-top graphic violence is going to turn off some of the romantic comedy action thriller audience members. However, if you can stomach intense graphic action sequences (including finger nails being ripped off and exposed bone), then audiences are truly in for a treat of ridiculous proportions. The entire cast brings their all, and the creative team packs in complete chaos which delights and unnerves, making Novocaine the adrenaline shot audiences need for *pure* action and chaos in sheer surface-level entertainment.
In theaters March 14th, 2025.
For more information, head to the official Paramount Pictures Novocaine website.
Final Score: 3.5 out of 5.
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Categories: In Theaters, Reviews
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