Gunpowder Milkshake

Movie Trailer

Release Date
July 14, 2021

Genre
Action, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Karen Gillan as Sam
• Lena Headey as Scarlet
• Carla Gugino as Madeleine
• Michelle Yeoh as Florence
• Angela Bassett as Anna May
• Chloe Coleman as Emily
• Paul Giamatti as Nathan
• Ralph Ineson as Jim McAlester

Director
Navot Papushado

Other Movies Director is Known For:

• Big Bad Wolves (2013)
• Rabies (2010)

Producer
Andrew Rona
Alex Heineman

Writer
Navot Papushado
Ehud Lavski

Budget
$30 million

Production Company
StudioCanal
The Picture Company

Running Time
114 minutes

Languages
English (Original)

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong violence and gore
• Language
• Some drug use

Movie Story
Gunpowder Milkshake is a high-octane action-thriller that centers around Sam (Karen Gillan), a highly skilled assassin who was abandoned by her mother, Scarlet (Lena Headey), at a young age. Raised by “The Firm,” a ruthless criminal organization, Sam has grown into a lethal hitwoman. When a mission goes wrong, leading to the accidental killing of an important figure’s son, Sam finds herself on the run from both the organization she works for and a vengeful gang led by Jim McAlester (Ralph Ineson).

Complicating matters further, Sam discovers that an eight-year-old girl named Emily (Chloe Coleman) is caught in the crossfire, and she makes the decision to protect her at all costs. This unexpected maternal bond forces Sam to confront her past and the choices that have shaped her life. As the situation spirals out of control, Sam turns to the only people she can trust: a group of deadly women who were once close allies of her mother—Madeleine (Carla Gugino), Florence (Michelle Yeoh), and Anna May (Angela Bassett).

The film is characterized by its stylized action sequences, vibrant color palette, and a darkly comedic tone. As Sam and her allies take on wave after wave of assassins, the film explores themes of family, loyalty, and revenge, all while delivering adrenaline-pumping action. The narrative builds to an explosive showdown where Sam, Scarlet, and their formidable allies must face off against The Firm and McAlester’s gang in a battle for survival.

Gunpowder Milkshake pays homage to the action genre with its creative fight choreography, blending gunplay, martial arts, and inventive weaponry. The film also showcases strong female characters, each bringing their unique skills and personalities to the table, making it a celebration of women in action roles.

Special Effects
Gunpowder Milkshake makes extensive use of stylized special effects and choreography to create its dynamic and visually striking action sequences. The film’s fight scenes are both brutal and artful, with a heavy emphasis on practical stunts and choreography that highlights the physical prowess of its characters. The cinematography and production design contribute to the film’s distinct aesthetic, with neon lighting, bold colors, and carefully composed shots that enhance the surreal, almost comic book-like atmosphere. CGI is used sparingly but effectively to complement the practical effects, ensuring the action remains grounded while still delivering over-the-top moments.

Box Office Performance
Gunpowder Milkshake was released on Netflix in the United States and in theaters in select international markets. The film gained popularity on the streaming platform, particularly among fans of action movies, and was praised for its stylish visuals and strong female-led cast. While its box office numbers were limited due to its digital release, the film found success in streaming and garnered a cult following.

Filming Locations

• Berlin, Germany
• Studios in Belgium

Notable Quotes

• “They made me a weapon, and now they want me dead.” – Sam
• “There’s not a single person on Earth I’d rather kill people with.” – Scarlet
• “We’re going to bring the sky down on their heads.” – Anna May

Behind-the-Scenes
Director Navot Papushado sought to create a visually unique and genre-blending action film with Gunpowder Milkshake, drawing inspiration from classic and contemporary action films while infusing the narrative with strong, multi-dimensional female characters. The cast was selected not only for their acting prowess but also for their ability to handle the film’s demanding physical roles. Karen Gillan, Lena Headey, and the rest of the ensemble underwent extensive fight training to perform many of their own stunts, adding authenticity to the action sequences. The film’s production design was meticulously crafted to create a heightened reality, with sets that emphasize the film’s mix of elegance and brutality.

Awards

• N/A

Final Verdict
Gunpowder Milkshake is a visually striking and thrilling action film that stands out for its stylish direction, inventive fight choreography, and a powerhouse cast of female leads. While the film’s plot may follow familiar beats, its execution is anything but conventional, offering a fresh take on the action genre. The chemistry between the cast, combined with the film’s bold visual style, makes Gunpowder Milkshake an entertaining and memorable ride for fans of high-energy action movies. It’s a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still delivers on its promise of fast-paced, exhilarating entertainment.

IMDb Rating
6.0/10