Novocaine is an action thriller directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, hitting theaters in France on March 26, 2025. Led by Jack Quaid, alongside Amber Midthunder and Ray Nicholson, the film explores a compelling premise: a protagonist who cannot feel pain, forced to turn this medical anomaly into an advantage in a high-stakes race against time. The movie is scheduled to air on Canal+ on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 9:09 PM.
Nate lives an ordinary life, defined by a rare condition that prevents him from feeling pain. What might seem like just a medical quirk suddenly becomes pivotal when a young woman he cares about is kidnapped. Unprepared but determined, he finds himself caught up in a tense and dangerous chase, where every choice matters and urgency drives the action.
In this relentless pursuit, Nate’s emotional numbness doesn’t eliminate the dangers—it simply shifts them elsewhere. While others might slow down or back off, he keeps pushing forward, sometimes venturing too far, taking hits and enduring injuries without the usual warning signs. The film unfolds as a tightly wound thriller, blending suspense, improvisation, and emotional vulnerability, driven by the powerful relationship that pushes Nate to his limits.
Written by Lars Jacobson, Novocaine fits into the genre of contemporary action thrillers that follow a “underdog” protagonist initially unprepared, thrust into a tense and extreme situation. Directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, who have previously worked together on dark, suspenseful projects like Villains, craft a story that unfolds as a relentless escalation. The uniqueness of the main character influences every aspect of the film—from the staging and stunt choices to how confrontations are choreographed.
On the production side, part of the film was shot in South Africa, primarily in Cape Town, to recreate an urban vibe reminiscent of California while managing logistical challenges. Several action sequences highlight practical effects and prosthetic makeup to vividly depict the accumulation of injuries, aligning with the concept of a body enduring damage without sensory “brakes.”
The tone appeals to fans of fast-paced action stories filled with suspense, featuring a “chase” vibe that may evoke references like Taken or John Wick—not just in the intensity and resolve of the hero, but also in the relentless spirit. The twist here lies in how a medical condition doubles as both a dramatic obstacle and a source of spectacle. Jack Quaid, known for his ability to shift effortlessly between vulnerability and raw energy, brings depth to a character who remains human—sometimes overwhelmed, but always on the move.
Novocaïne Film | 2025
Release in cinemas: March 26, 2025
Premiere on Canal+: Thursday, December 18, 2025, at 9:09 PM
Action, Thriller | Runtime: 1h50
Directed by Dan Berk, Robert Olsen | Starring Jack Quaid, Amber Midthunder, Ray Nicholson
Country: United States
With its straightforward and instantly graspable concept, Novocaine delivers a high-octane thriller centered around a «body without alarm» and the implications this has in terms of danger, resilience, and cinematic presentation. Blending moments of tension, improvised fight scenes, and emotional stakes, the film fits seamlessly into the current wave of fast-paced urban survival stories.
Want to explore further? Check out our curated list of TV programs, films, and series to watch this week, our guide to new releases across all platforms, and today's top pick what to stream today.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
