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Gunpowder Milkshake

Gunpowder Milkshake is a 2021 action thriller film directed by Navot Papushado, who co-wrote the screenplay with Ehud Lavski.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 10, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Gunpowder Milkshake is a 2021 action thriller film directed by Navot Papushado, who co-wrote the screenplay with Ehud Lavski. It stars Karen Gillan as an assassin who reunites with her mother and a group of former associates to protect a young girl from violent rivals. The film was released on Netflix in the United States with a limited theatrical release in some markets.

Plot

The story centres on Sam, an assassin working for a criminal organisation known as The Firm, who becomes responsible for protecting a young girl. Her efforts lead her to reunite with her mother and allies from her past.

Cast

The ensemble cast includes Karen Gillan, Lena Headey, Carla Gugino, Michelle Yeoh, Angela Bassett, Chloe Coleman, and Paul Giamatti. The film is notable for featuring a female-led action cast.

Release

Gunpowder Milkshake was released in 2021. It streamed on Netflix in the United States and had a limited theatrical rollout in some international markets.

Reception

The film drew attention for its stylised action, neon visual style, and ensemble cast. Reviews were mixed, with commentary often focusing on its heightened, comic-book-like violence and mother-daughter themes.

Key facts

  • The film follows Sam, a young hitwoman who becomes involved in a conflict after trying to protect a child.
  • Karen Gillan plays the lead role, with Lena Headey as Sam’s estranged mother.
  • Michelle Yeoh, Angela Bassett, and Carla Gugino portray a group of women who assist Sam.
  • The film was distributed by Netflix in the United States.
  • It received an R rating for strong bloody violence and language.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may know Gunpowder Milkshake through its international streaming release and through Karen Gillan and Michelle Yeoh, who have broad appeal in Canadian film and television audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is Gunpowder Milkshake about?
It is about an assassin who protects a young girl and reconnects with her estranged mother and former allies.
Who directed Gunpowder Milkshake?
Navot Papushado directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay with Ehud Lavski.
Who stars in Gunpowder Milkshake?
The main cast includes Karen Gillan, Lena Headey, Carla Gugino, Michelle Yeoh, Angela Bassett, Chloe Coleman, and Paul Giamatti.
When was Gunpowder Milkshake released?
The film was released in 2021.
What genre is Gunpowder Milkshake?
It is generally classified as an action thriller, with action-comedy and crime elements.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gunpowder_Milkshake
    Supports: Basic film details including director, writers, cast, and plot summary.
  2. Netflix — https://www.netflix.com/title/81457469
    Supports: Official release platform, genre, cast, and premise.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8368408/
    Supports: Runtime, release year, rating, genre, and worldwide gross.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/gunpowder_milkshake
    Supports: Director, producer, and screenwriter credits.
  5. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/gunpowder-milkshake
    Supports: MPAA rating, runtime, violence/language notes, and plot outline.