The darkly comedic thriller Novocaine is set to hit theaters on March 14, 2025, promising a wild ride of suspense, humor, and unexpected twists. Directed by rising indie filmmaker Ava DuVall, the film follows a group of strangers whose weekend getaway turns into a deadly game of secrets, betrayal, and survival. With a sharp script and a stellar ensemble cast, Novocaine is a fresh take on the classic whodunit genre, blending biting satire with edge-of-your-seat tension.
Set in a remote cabin in the woods, the story kicks off when the group decides to play a provocative party game that quickly spirals out of control. As alliances shift and hidden agendas come to light, the friends must confront their darkest secrets—or risk becoming the next victim. With its mix of sharp dialogue, shocking reveals, and standout performances, Novocaine is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of 2025.
Meet the Faces Behind Novocaine
1. Jack Quaid as Nate
Jack Quaid, known for his roles in The Boys (2019–present) and Scream (2022), takes on the lead role of Nate, a charismatic yet troubled young man with a hidden agenda. Quaid’s ability to balance charm and intensity makes him the perfect choice for this complex character.
Off-screen, Quaid has become one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors, balancing blockbuster franchises with indie darlings like Plus One (2019). His portrayal of Nate—a man grappling with his own morality and survival instincts—promises to be a career-defining performance.
2. Amber Midthunder as Sherry
Amber Midthunder, known for her breakout role in Prey (2022), plays Sherry, a resourceful and fearless young woman who becomes an unlikely ally to Nate. Midthunder’s ability to convey resilience and curiosity makes her a standout in the film.
Midthunder’s recent work in Legion (2017–2019) showcased her talent, and her performance in Novocaine is sure to solidify her status as a talent to watch. Sherry’s journey—from skeptic to believer—adds a layer of hope to the story.
3. Ray Nicholson as Simon
Ray Nicholson, known for his roles in Promising Young Woman (2020) and The Outsider (2020), plays Simon, a brooding and mysterious figure with a hidden agenda. Nicholson’s ability to convey intensity and vulnerability makes him a standout in the film.
Nicholson’s recent work in The Starling (2021) showcased his range, and his performance in Novocaine promises to be equally compelling. Simon’s journey—from outsider to central figure—adds a layer of intrigue to the story.
4. Jacob Batalon as Roscoe
Jacob Batalon, known for his roles in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021) and Reginald the Vampire (2022–present), plays Roscoe, a tech-savvy engineer with a penchant for trouble. Batalon’s ability to blend humor and vulnerability makes him a standout in the film.
Batalon’s recent work in The True Don Quixote (2018) showcased his talent, and his performance in Novocaine is sure to captivate audiences. Roscoe’s journey—from comic relief to unlikely hero—adds a layer of humor and heart to the story.
5. Betty Gabriel as Mincy
Betty Gabriel, known for her roles in Get Out (2017) and Upgrade (2018), plays Mincy, a no-nonsense lawyer with a hidden past. Gabriel’s ability to convey strength and vulnerability makes her a standout in the film.
Gabriel’s recent work in The Purge: Election Year (2016) showcased her range, and her performance in Novocaine promises to be equally impactful. Mincy’s journey—from skeptic to believer—adds a layer of emotional depth to the story.
6. Matt Walsh as Coltraine
Matt Walsh, known for his roles in Veep (2012–2019) and The Hangover (2009), plays Coltraine, a bumbling yet lovable figure with a hidden agenda. Walsh’s ability to blend humor and vulnerability makes him a standout in the film.
Walsh’s recent work in The Do-Over (2016) showcased his talent, and his performance in Novocaine is sure to leave a lasting impression. Coltraine’s journey—from comic relief to unlikely hero—adds a layer of humor and heart to the story.
7. Conrad Kemp as Andre
Conrad Kemp, known for his roles in The Girl with All the Gifts (2016) and The Last Days on Mars (2013), plays Andre, a mysterious figure with ties to the group’s past. Kemp’s ability to convey menace and vulnerability makes him a standout in the film.
Kemp’s recent work in The Forgotten Kingdom (2013) showcased his range, and his performance in Novocaine promises to be equally compelling. Andre’s journey—from outsider to central figure—adds a layer of intrigue to the story.
8. Evan Hengst as Ben
Evan Hengst, known for his roles in The Walking Dead (2010–2022) and The Originals (2013–2018), plays Ben, a brooding and mysterious figure with a hidden agenda. Hengst’s ability to convey intensity and vulnerability makes him a standout in the film.
Hengst’s recent work in The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017) showcased his talent, and his performance in Novocaine is sure to captivate audiences. Ben’s journey—from outsider to central figure—adds a layer of intrigue to the story.
9. Craig Jackson as Nigel
Craig Jackson, known for his roles in The Wire (2002–2008) and The Deuce (2017–2019), plays Nigel, a mysterious figure with ties to the group’s past. Jackson’s ability to convey menace and vulnerability makes him a standout in the film.
Jackson’s recent work in The Night Of (2016) showcased his range, and his performance in Novocaine promises to be equally compelling. Nigel’s journey—from outsider to central figure—adds a layer of intrigue to the story.
10. Lou Beatty Jr. as Earl
Lou Beatty Jr., known for his roles in The Purge: Anarchy (2014) and The Purge: Election Year (2016), plays Earl, a mysterious figure with ties to the group’s past. Beatty’s ability to convey menace and vulnerability makes him a standout in the film.
Beatty’s recent work in The First Purge (2018) showcased his talent, and his performance in Novocaine is sure to leave a lasting impression. Earl’s journey—from outsider to central figure—adds a layer of intrigue to the story.
11. Garth Collins as Zeno
Garth Collins, known for his roles in The Walking Dead (2010–2022) and The Originals (2013–2018), plays Zeno, a brooding and mysterious figure with a hidden agenda. Collins’ ability to convey intensity and vulnerability makes him a standout in the film.
Collins’ recent work in The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017) showcased his talent, and his performance in Novocaine is sure to captivate audiences. Zeno’s journey—from outsider to central figure—adds a layer of intrigue to the story.
12. Tristan de Beer as Asshole
Tristan de Beer, known for his roles in The Walking Dead (2010–2022) and The Originals (2013–2018), plays Asshole, a brooding and mysterious figure with a hidden agenda. De Beer’s ability to convey intensity and vulnerability makes him a standout in the film.
De Beer’s recent work in The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017) showcased his talent, and his performance in Novocaine is sure to captivate audiences. Asshole’s journey—from outsider to central figure—adds a layer of intrigue to the story.
