Novocaine
Plot
Novocaine, a darkly comedic neo-noir thriller, begins with a relatively lighthearted tone centered around dentist Frank Slade, played by Steve Martin, and his assistant Leonard, played by Alan Arkin, who suffers from an unusual non-feeling to pain. The central theme, however, revolves around a young couple whose seemingly ordinary relationship masks an air of desperation and obsession. Nate Weiss, a talented and unconventional dentist, played by Eric Stoltz, and Susan Lang, played by Laura Linney, are the prime players in this narrative. Their romantic relationship appears idyllic at the start. Susan's life as a heroin addict, however, is revealed when the movie progresses. Despite this challenge, the couple presents a stark contrast to Dr. Slade and Leonard, whose relationship serves as the satirical backdrop highlighted through Frank's pain insensitivity, stemming from medication he's been taking. The narrative splits as it delves into two interconnected storylines. Susan's downward spiral into addiction worsens, creating tension in her relationship with Nate. Meanwhile, Frank Slade begins to abuse prescription Novocaine in hopes of avoiding the realities of life after being robbed blind and losing his medical license. Slade's trajectory illuminates Leonard's past and character. On the other hand, Nate embarks on an adventure of his own when Susan is kidnapped by notorious crime lord, Langley Roth, played by Kevin Bacon. As Roth's motives are slowly revealed, the story descends into a violent and chaotic world where lives are lost and morals are compromised. As Frank Slade's character unravels, so does his relationship with Leonard. Complications surrounding addiction, desperation, and pain arise, forcing the viewer to evaluate the underlying consequences of these choices. At this point, the complexities of Slade and Leonard's dynamic draw a striking contrast to Nate's relationship with Susan, which also faces the ultimate test as Nate fights for Susan's rescue. The intertwined plot reveals not only the desperate measures these characters are willing to take but also a dark underbelly that underscores their actions. The climax features numerous turns and unsettling scenes, forcing the audience to question their reactions to the chaos. In a conclusion to the film, the tightly-wrapped story unravels, exposing the severe costs its characters pay for their pursuit of love and happiness. As it draws to a close, the once idyllic lives are forever altered by their exposure to the dark side of narcotics and desperation.