Nathan Caine feels no pain in Novocaine, this week’s Sunday night movie on M-Net (DStv Channel 101) at 8PM on 30 November 2025. The action-comedy smash hit will also be available on Showmax from Monday, 1 December 2025.
The film follows Nate, a mild-mannered bank employee living with CIPA – Congenital Insensitivity to Pain – a rare condition caused by mutations in the NTRK1 gene. Far from giving him superpowers, the disorder forces him to live a cautious life. Even chewing solid food is a hazard. But when a group of robbers kidnaps his coworker Sherry, Nate finds himself stepping into the hero role he never imagined, using his unusual condition as a surprising advantage in his quest to save her.
Jack Quaid (known for The Boys) stars as Nate, earning a Critics Choice Super Award nomination for Best Actor in an Action Movie. Amber Midthunder (Prey) co-stars as Sherry, alongside Ray Nicholson (Smile 2) as bank robber Simon Greely.
Shot in Cape Town. Set in San Diego. A Global Hit.
Although Novocaine is set in sunny San Diego, the film was shot entirely in South Africa. Over eight weeks in March 2024, Cape Town became the backdrop for the #1 US box office hit — thanks to Blue Ice Africa, the local service company in charge of logistics, travel, crew, and the show’s impressive location transformations.
From crafting a booby-trapped house to sourcing classic American cop cars, Blue Ice delivered the impossible.
“Anything on screen was sourced locally,”.
says Blue Ice founding partner Adam Friedlander
Whether a left-hand-drive police cruiser or a vintage taxi, they found it or built it.
“We built an ambulance for Novocaine. We even had meetings in the back of it.”
adds head of production Daniela Springer
Turning Cape Town into San Diego
The production travelled across the city to recreate an authentic American feel:
- Bank robbery scenes in the Paarl CBD
- Sweet retro diner moments in Sea Point
- Gritty action set pieces across the docks, Woodstock, Observatory, and Bellville
“Everything you see had to be created. American sidewalks, signage, even the side of the road. Our art department did incredible work.”
says Adam
One unexpected theme emerged: apple pie — thanks to key diner scenes.
“There were a lot of pies”.
Daniela laughs
“People were getting apple pie tattoos. Even our crew tops have apple pies,”.
adds Adam
A Family Feel Behind the Scenes
Despite starring the children of Hollywood royalty — Jack (son of Dennis Quaid & Meg Ryan) and Ray (son of Jack Nicholson) — the set had a down-to-earth, all-in-it-together energy. Cast and crew bonded during frequent hangouts at Kleinsky’s Deli in Sea Point, one of the main filming locations. Ray Nicholson even gave a public shout-out to his South African driver, Mpumzi Krweqe, during the film’s press tour.
Precision Craft: Injuries, Prosthetics & Practical Effects
Novocaine required extensive injury continuity as Nate’s condition leads him into dangerous (and comedic) situations. Costume designer Danielle Knox tracked 35 individual injuries, from a missing tooth to what Jack jokingly called the “crispy hotdog hand” effect — all created safely and without graphic on-screen detail.
Prosthetics designer Clinton Aiden Smith (COSMESIS) and makeup/hair HOD Christa Schoeman worked together to design realistic, story-driven effects. To speed up work, Clinton created around 12 life-sized 3D-printed busts of Jack Quaid to pre-build prosthetics for an exact fit.
Directors Dan Berk and Robert Olsen praised the team’s dedication — and their ability to elevate the film’s visual comedy through careful craft rather than anything extreme or graphic.
A Critical and Commercial Win
With an 81% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Novocaine has been praised for its fast-paced action, sharp humour, and lead chemistry. Critics highlight how the film injects fresh energy into the action-comedy genre with creative uses of its central concept, all while showcasing exceptional local filmmaking talent behind the scenes.
The trailer has already surpassed 12 million views and features South African actor Evan Hengst (Wyfie, Suidooster) in full villain mode.
Watch the behind-the-scenes makeup feature:
