Jack Quaid, best known for his work in the Prime Video show “The Boys,” is a Gen Z heartthrob. The perfect mix of nerdy, attractive and talented, Quaid secured his place in our hearts when he openly admitted his nepo baby status last year. The son of Meg Ryan and Dennis Quaid, the actor referred to his inherited celebrity status in an interview on The Daily Beast’s “The Last Laugh” podcast, calling himself an “immensely privileged person.”
The internet also applauded Quaid for supporting Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election — a stark contrast to his Donald Trump-endorsing father. Quaid’s reputation makes him the ideal protagonist for his newest project, “Novocaine,” a rom-com action film that boldly rejects masculinity and conservative values.
Meet Nathan Caine (Quaid), an introverted, insecure 30-something assistant manager at San Diego Credit Union. When he’s not working his nine-to-five, Nathan shuts himself in his apartment to play video games with his online bestie Roscoe (Jacob Batalon). However, there is more to Nathan than corporate attire and gaming consoles. He was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder as a kid: congenital insensitivity to pain, a condition that impacts his nervous system.
Nathan’s world changes when he finally scores a date — and subsequently, a pretty great hookup — with his coworker, Sherry (Amber Midthunder). Sherry is the opposite of Nathan — confident, quick-witted and bold. However, the pair hit it off, connecting over their troubled pasts and shared love of cherry pie.
The day after their hookup, Nathan’s happiness is quickly ruined when three thieves in cheap Santa costumes barge into his bank with AK-47s. The three bandits ransack the safe and, to Nathan’s horror, take Sherry with them. Rather uncharacteristically, Nathan immediately springs into action, disobeying the orders of law enforcement by stealing a cop car and chasing after Sherry alone. As Nathan tries to gather clues and track Sherry down, he finds himself in multiple intense fight scenes where he uses his medical condition to his advantage.
In an age filled with fervent debate about the preservation of men’s masculinity, “Novocaine” kicks back. Nathan isn’t smooth like “Die Hard’s” John McClane or dark and jaded like John Wick. Instead, he openly declares “I don’t want to fight” as he tussles with his attackers, making sure to apologize after he’s injured them. Nathan, like many action heroes, is motivated by a woman, but his intentions feel different than those of previous protagonists. Nathan’s instinct to protect Sherry does not come from an urge to prove his manhood by saving his distressed damsel — rather, it comes from a deep admiration for her. He values her as a human being, not just as a romantic prospect.
Beyond masculinity, the film cleverly criticizes other traditionally conservative ideals, such as excessive gun ownership. During his search for Sherry, Nathan finds himself at the home of one of the thieves, Ben (Evan Hengst). The home is packed with gun memorabilia, including a magnet with the popular conservative slogan “God created man, guns made them equal.” Beyond gun merchandise, the house is rigged with elaborate booby traps and hidden weapons. When Nathan is caught by Ben’s brother and accomplice, Andre (Conrad Kemp), the pair deliver an intense fight scene. In an unexpected twist, weapons Ben planted in the name of self-defense are used against his brother. The scene ultimately criticizes the “guns for self-defense” argument promoted by gun rights groups like the National Rifle Association by highlighting the dangers of excessive gun ownership.
In another poignant moment, Nathan attempts to track down the robbers when he finds himself at a tattoo parlor. When Nathan tries to subtly extract information about the thieves, he’s confronted by tattoo artist Zeno (Garth Collins). As the two duke it out, Nathan uses a tattoo gun to scribble over a Nazi symbol tattooed on Zeno’s neck, a victory for Nathan and audiences alike. Watching a scrawny, unassuming guy taking down a fascist symbol of toxic masculinity feels like fulfillment of a liberal American’s fantasies, which is especially poignant when you factor in Elon Musk’s recent “Roman salute.”
Traditional action films are packed with hyper-masculine music like Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone” and Beastie Boys’ “No Sleep Till Brooklyn.” “Novocaine” once again deviates from the norm, playing Chappell Roan’s hit “Casual” — a song about a lesbian relationship — when Nathan meets up with Sherry at the bar. By featuring queer artists like Roan and Caroline Polachek, the film embraces femininity and queer identity.
With its awkward protagonist, cracks at conservatives and queer tunes, “Novocaine” proves that you don’t have to be conservative to be cool. Modern-day heroes don’t have to be overly masculine or quick to fight — even insecure, nerdy gamers can pack a mean punch.
Contact Annie Emans at [email protected].
