In the action-packed comedy Novocaine, Amber Midthunder and Jack Quaid deliver performances that blend genres seamlessly, proving their remarkable chemistry on screen. Midthunder, known for her breakout role as Naru in the 2022 film Prey, takes on the character of Sherry, who becomes the target of a bank robbery that sends Quaid’s character, Nathan Caine, on an adrenaline-fueled rescue mission. Directed by the talented duo Dan Berk and Robert Olsen, this film weaves together themes of humor, romance, and action in a refreshing way.
Amber Midthunder portrays Nathan Caine's love interest, Sherry, who is taken hostage by robbers disguised as Santa Claus during a Christmas bank heist. Caine, a mild-mannered bank executive with congenital insensitivity to pain (CIP), uses his condition to embark on a reckless quest to save her. “I was drawn to this film because it blends so many genres beautifully,” Midthunder expressed during an interview with Collider’s Meredith Loftus. “There was nothing for me to say no to about this movie.” Her enthusiasm for the project stems from a strong connection to Quaid, fueled by their mutual friend, director Dan Trachtenberg.
The film marks a significant collaboration between up-and-coming director duo Berk and Olsen, known for their unique storytelling abilities in previous works like Villains. Their success is reflected in Midthunder’s assertion of the movie’s originality and her excitement over working with Quaid, saying, “I just really had wanted to work with him for years.”
As storylines unfold, Quaid’s character must confront not only the robbers but also his own limitations, showcased by his disease that renders him unaware of pain. His journey is laced with moments of both levity and intensity, compelling the audience to root for him. “I think it shows, honestly. It looked like everyone involved had a lot of fun,” Midthunder reflected on the production experience, hinting at an atmosphere full of camaraderie and laughter on set.
In terms of their characters’ relationship, the central romance between Nathan and Sherry evolves significantly throughout the film. While filming in Cape Town, the actors found themselves instantly bonding over their shared experiences, allowing them to portray the vulnerability of their characters convincingly. Amber shared, “We just got really really fortunate. We also had a lot of rehearsal time. We rehearsed for two weeks before we started shooting.” This rehearsal process allowed the actors to develop a rapport and ease into their roles comfortably, setting the stage for genuine connection on-screen.
Midthunder’s character, Sherry, possesses an intriguing complexity that adds depth to a typical romantic role. Reflecting on her character’s layers, Midthunder stated, “Her journey really is one of vulnerability. She’s somebody who is very obviously guarded.” This complexity is underscored by Sherry’s line in the film: “We’re all hiding something; we’re just looking for someone that we can show it to.” Midthunder appreciates being afforded such depth in a female character, as it is rare in the action-comedy genre.
The film does not shy away from showcasing stunts and action, with Midthunder expressing her enjoyment in the stunts, remarking, “It was a really fun balance to have an experience like this.” While Quaid dealt with the heavier lifting, Midthunder found joy in supporting him as they navigated the film’s action sequences. The stunt team under coordinator Stanimir Stamatov enhanced the film’s appeal, making it an exhilarating experience for audiences.
After the success of Prey, Midthunder has reignited her passion for action films thanks to her work in Novocaine. The quick pace of filming and the dynamic scenery of Cape Town played a vital role in keeping energy high amidst long working hours. Midthunder recounted, “Being in this environment, telling these stories, really reminded me how much I love it.” This sentiment resonates as the excitement continues surrounding her career and upcoming project possibilities.
The question arises whether Midthunder will return to her role as Kerry Loudermilk in Marvel’s Legion, which has fans eager for more. “I would be happy to do another one. I love Dan Trachtenberg with my whole heart,” she expressed regarding the hopes for a sequel. Fans are left intrigued about potential scenarios where Naru not only battles predators but could collide with characters from other beloved franchises.
As the film Novocaine opens in theaters on March 21, 2025, both Midthunder and Quaid are set to make their mark in an exhilarating blend of action, romance, and comedy that promises audiences an unforgettable cinematic experience.
