In the adrenaline-fueled world of Novocaine, Nathan Caine, essayed by Jack Quaid, has a unique condition and is far from a typical action hero. He’s not a trained fighter, doesn’t wield weapons with ease, and has no experience in high-stakes situations. Yet, Caine possesses one extraordinary trait that sets him apart: he can’t feel pain.
But what exactly is the condition behind this ability, and how does it shape the protagonist’s journey in the film? Here are all the details.
What medical condition does Nathan Caine have in Novocaine?
Nathan’s Caine’s condition in Novocaine is a genetic disorder called CIPA, also known as congenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis. This condition, which is central to the film’s plot, means Caine is unable to feel physical pain.
While this might sound like a superpower, it comes with its own set of challenges. Pain is the body’s way of signaling danger, and without it, Caine is constantly at risk of injuring himself without realizing it. Moreover, as he doesn’t immediately realize when he is injured or unwell, it makes him unable to seek help when required.
In Novocaine, Nathan Caine’s condition is both a curse and a blessing. On one hand, it forces him to live a cautious, regimented life full of irrational fears. For instance, he blends his food to avoid accidentally biting his tongue and sets alarms to remind himself to use the bathroom, since he can’t feel internal pressure.
However, on the other hand, when his love interest Sherry is kidnapped, Caine’s inability to feel pain becomes his greatest asset. He fights through stabbings, gunshot wounds, and other brutal injuries without flinching, turning his condition into an unexpected advantage.
Is CIPA real or fictional?
While Novocaine takes obvious creative liberties with Nathan Caine’s story, CIPA is a real medical condition.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), congenital insensitivity to pain is an extremely rare genetic disorder that prevents individuals from feeling physical pain. People with CIPA are born without the ability to perceive pain, which can lead to frequent injuries and complications. However, Novocaine takes this real-life condition and spins it into a high-concept action-comedy.
