Gunpowder Milkshake

Karen Gillan Leads a Stylish, Divisive Action Flick in Gunpowder Milkshake

Netflix’s Gunpowder Milkshake (2021) is a neon-drenched, blood-soaked love letter to 90s action cinema, but its reception has been as mixed as its vibrant visuals. Starring Karen Gillan as a lethal assassin caught between loyalty and morality, the film delivers over-the-top fight sequences, a stacked cast, and a premise that’s equal parts John Wick and Kill Bill—with a dash of Atomic Blonde’s aesthetic. latestnetflix.com's read is that Yet behind the slick production lies a debate: is it a cult-worthy homage or a hollow imitation?

A Cast of Heavy Hitters in a High-Octane World

Gillan headlines as Sam, a skilled hitwoman raised by a secretive guild of female assassins after her mother (Lena Headey) abandoned her as a child. When Sam’s latest job goes sideways, she’s forced to protect an innocent 12-year-old girl (Chloe Coleman) while evading both her employers and a rival faction. The ensemble is packed with talent: Carla Gugino, Michelle Yeoh, and Angela Bassett play the enigmatic "Librarians," a trio of retired assassins who trained Sam, while Paul Giamatti chews scenery as her sleazy boss. Ralph Ineson and Adam Nagaitis round out the villains with menacing charm .

The trailer alone—packed with slow-motion shootouts, brutal hand-to-hand combat, and a synth-heavy soundtrack—promised a hyper-stylized thrill ride. Gillan, known for her physicality in Jumanji and Guardians of the Galaxy, trained extensively for the role, embracing the film’s blend of gun-fu and dark humor . But while the cast’s chemistry is undeniable, critics remain split on whether the script justifies their talents.

Style Over Substance? The Critical Divide

Gunpowder Milkshake’s biggest selling point is its visual flair. Director Navot Papushado (Rabies, Big Bad Wolves) leans into a retro aesthetic, with vibrant color palettes, practical effects, and fight choreography that nods to classic action films. The film’s 114-minute runtime flies by, thanks to relentless pacing and a plot that never lingers too long on exposition .

Yet reviews have been polarizing. On SensCritique, the film holds a middling 5.5/10, with some viewers praising its energy and others dismissing it as derivative . A scathing YouTube review calls it "rip-off trash," arguing that the story lacks originality and emotional depth, despite its impressive set pieces . Others, however, defend it as a self-aware throwback, celebrating its campy tone and unapologetic violence .

One point of consensus? The film’s world-building is intriguing but underutilized. The "Librarians," a trio of ageless assassins who run a bookstore as a front, are a standout concept—yet their backstories and motivations are only hinted at. Rumors (unconfirmed) suggest deleted scenes may have fleshed out their dynamic, but as it stands, their role feels more like fan service than a fully realized arc .

Behind the Scenes: Gillan’s Passion Project?

Gillan has been vocal about her love for action films, and Gunpowder Milkshake appears to be a labor of love for her. In interviews, she’s gushed about the physical demands of the role, from wirework to fight training, and the joy of working with a predominantly female cast in a genre often dominated by men . The film’s feminist undertones—assassins who double as surrogate mothers, a young girl as the catalyst for redemption—add a layer of depth to its otherwise pulpy plot.

That said, details about the film’s production are scarce. Papushado’s direction is praised for its kinetic energy, but beyond the trailers and a few promotional clips, there’s little insight into the creative process. Was the script workshopped extensively? Did the cast improvise? The evidence doesn’t say .

One tantalizing tidbit comes from a YouTube deep dive, which speculates about the film’s shadowy organization, "The Firm," and its ties to real-world espionage tropes. The video suggests the movie’s lore could support a franchise, but with no sequel announced, it remains speculative .

The Verdict: A Flawed but Fun Ride

Gunpowder Milkshake won’t redefine the action genre, but it doesn’t try to. Instead, it embraces its influences with a wink, delivering a visually stunning, adrenaline-fueled experience that’s as likely to frustrate as it is to entertain. For fans of Gillan’s physical performances or those craving a female-led John Wick with a twist, it’s worth a watch—just don’t expect a masterpiece.

As for what’s next? If Netflix sees enough traction, a sequel isn’t out of the question. Until then, Gunpowder Milkshake stands as a divisive, neon-drenched experiment—one that either hits the mark or misses it entirely, depending on who you ask.