Amber Midthunder | Photo from @ambermidthunder

In the action-comedy film Novocaine, pain—or the lack of it, defines the protagonist's life. Nathan "Nate" Caine, played by Jack Quiad, suffers from CIPA [Congenital Insensitivity to Pain with Anhidrosis], a rare condition that prevents him from feeling excruciating pain and extreme temperatures. Yet, ironically, as the story unravels, it is the audience who will feel the most. It’s the emotional paradox for a man who suffers as he is willing to do anything for the girl of his dreams. For Amber Midthunder, who plays Sherry, Novocaine is so much more than a compelling story. 

Sherry is not just the woman Nate has an eye on—she's a character with her own journey. "She grew up largely on her own," says Amber, who previously starred in the sci-fi fiction film Prey (2022), the fifth installment and first prequel of the Predator franchise. "She meets Nate, and I think she sees a different world of possibility and a different life for herself." It is not a purely romantic relationship—it's nurturing and transformative. As Nate goes through a search of identity, Sherry is compelled to meet her own past, and their relationship becomes all the more interesting.

In Novocaine, the hero’s journey will definitely be at play. A bank robbery turns Nate’s life upside down as he splurges out of his comfort zone all while being in a state of painless detachment. “He’s sent on this journey confronting his fears,” says Amber. “And she’s sent on this opposite journey—trying to push away all of her guilt, her fears, and her trauma.” Both will have a defining moment wherein they must face what life throws at them head on.

Nate might be protected by his condition, but it doesn’t exclude him from feeling human emotions. This adds depth to the show—the contrast of what he can’t feel and what he must endure. 

For Amber, Novocaine was not just another role—it was a project based on collaboration and trust. She thanks directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen for creating an innovative atmosphere. “They are the nicest guys,” she shares. “There’s no second-guessing anything they say. They’re so open to ideas, improv, or whatever anybody has.” This allows the cast to take more risks, which opens a lot of doors in their craft and industry as well. 

The cast and crew of Novocaine at their movie's premiere in Los Angeles | Photo: @ambermidthunder

Amber praises her co-star Jack Quaid for being reliable and the best scene partner. “I don’t think I’ve seen Jack do one bad take—which, happy for him, so annoying!” she jokes. But beyond his talent, his presence on set made a difference. “He’s always there for you, when it’s your coverage or whatever. He’s very thoughtful, very considerate. He's also just very calm and very grounded, which is really nice… And so to go through that with somebody, feeling like you have a partner has been really important.” Their dynamic off-screen will definitely have a big impact on storytelling. 

Amber Midthunder and Jack Quaid for Novocaine | Photo: @ambermidthunder

What makes Novocaine truly unique is how it approaches the theme of action-thriller. “You’ve never seen a person like this go through this type of action,” Amber explains. Because there is little to no precedent for a protagonist with CIPA, they had to explore new techniques. “The way that Jack is bringing that to life is so honest, and also so funny. A lot of our action is going to be really exciting for people and very different.”

While this show offers the audience action and thriller, it is ultimately about resilience, trust, and emotional growth. Amber emphasized that this project is not just about the story premise—it’s about the people behind the scenes. There is an environment in which they foster safe spaces, and in this way, the story unfolds itself naturally. Because even if Nate may be numb to pain, they'll make sure the fans and viewers won’t be.

Novocaine is now showing!