Numb

Numb follows Hudson Milbank, a once successful Hollywood screenwriter who wakes up one day unable to feel. His emotions have vanished, leaving him hollow and unable to connect with people or, crucially, the art he loves. He tries doctors, pills, and a revolving door of therapy, but nothing brings back the warmth of ordinary life. His longtime writing partner grows increasingly desperate to coax him back into the script of living. Then a chance encounter with Sara Harrison stirs something new, and Hudson begins to question whether feeling again is worth the price. The film crafts a romantic comedy around an unusual ache. He tests unconventional therapies and oddball routines, but nothing rekindles the spark of feeling, and hope grows.

Directed by Harris Goldberg, Numb released in 2007 as an original screenplay from the writer of Deuce Bigalow, featuring Matthew Perry as Hudson and Lynn Collins as Sara. It pairs Perry's timing with Collins's warmth and a modest supporting cast.

Critics gave a mixed response, noting Perry's timing and the offbeat premise while questioning the tonal balance. The film grapples with emotional numbness, the healing power of connection, and how love can wake a lonely heart. Some reviewers appreciated the humor amid a sensitive topic, and the value of honesty.

Box office details are not widely reported; the movie had a limited release and did not become a major commercial hit, leaving little chatter in trade press, and its box office performance was modest by indie standards across the U.S.

Numb hasn't left a lasting imprint on pop culture, but it remains a small example of rom com drama that pairs character vulnerability with humor. It's remembered by fans of Matthew Perry who seek lighter, relationship oriented fare. Its tone wobbles yet the performances remain grounded in a quiet way.