Reviewing the Russian Teen Drama 'Chewing Gum'
Exploration of the Series "Chewing Gum": A Teen Drama Thatβs Hard to Grasp and Love
On October 16, the new Russian series titled "Chewing Gum" made its debut on the Premier platform. This eight-episode teenage drama, directed by Alexander Tsoi, invites viewers to delve into a realm filled with the struggles of youth, heartfelt deceptions, and intricate relationships.
Key Details About the Project
- Genre: Drama, Youth Film
- Director: Alexander Tsoi
- Number of Episodes: 8
- Duration per Episode: 45-50 minutes
- Production: Russia
- Age Rating: 18+
"Chewing Gum" narrates the tumultuous lives of teenagers awash in dreams, conflicts, and rash decisions that often lead to unpredictable outcomes.
The Plot
The story centers around Gala Shalamova, a girl from an orphanage with aspirations of joining the scriptwriting faculty of the VGIK (Russian State Institute of Cinematography). Gala yearns for freedom from the stifling environment of the orphanage. Her life takes an unexpected turn after she watches a stream by the eccentric blogger Hans Shmyuze, who revels in making outrageous statements for the sake of fame. Gala becomes convinced that she and Hans are kindred spirits.
A serendipitous meeting leads to a blossoming romance between them. However, what becomes Galaβs first taste of love is nothing more than a fleeting fling for Hans. Disillusioned by her, he decides to end their relationship through an absurd tactic: he persuades his friends to tell Gala he has been killed.
Instead of succumbing to despair, Gala embarks on an "investigation" into Hansβs supposed death, determined to expose the truth and punish those she thinks are responsible.
The Characters
Gala Shalamova (Portrayed by Daria Balabanova)
An orphan with an innocent outlook, shaped by her challenging upbringing. Gala dreams of being a screenwriter, yet her past looms over her, including an imprisoned mother who has recently been released and an aggressive boyfriend from whom she struggles to break free.
Hans Shmyuze (Played by Anton Rogachev)
A blogger with 5,000 followers, Hans will go to absurd lengths for likes and popularity. As a typical representative of the privileged youth, he enjoys a comfortable yet emotionally neglected life; his father is a producer, and his younger sister is critically ill.
Kirill (Characterized by Anton Artemyev)
Galaβs brutish and erratic boyfriend. His approach to conflict resolution centers around violence. Kirill lives a life rife with criminal enterprises, harboring dreams of wealth abroad.
Misha Yelchev (Brought to life by Pavel Maslakov)
A friend of Hansβs, who stands out among their circle due to his more relatable and humane treatment of Gala.
Vera (Played by Marusya Furina)
Another friend of Hans. Vera harbors feelings for him but comes to the realization that she shouldn't expect a serious commitment from him.
Impressions of the Series
Narrative and Genre
The series encapsulates a blend of teenage drama laced with ironic critiques of contemporary society. It explores profound themes such as first love, cruelty, misunderstanding, and the consequence of trivial decisions. The characters often come across as childish and at times illogical, emphasizing their youth and inexperience.
The pace of the story can be lethargic at times, drawing viewers in sporadically. While the premiere episode has a brisk momentum, subsequent installments tend to meander, losing the initial spark.
Character Dynamics and Atmosphere
A notable flaw of the series lies within its character portrayal, as none manage to elicit genuine empathy from the audience. Galaβs naivetΓ© feels exaggerated, and Hans embodies a cynical persona. Other participants come off as either exaggerated caricatures or secondary figures.
Acting Performance
Despite a lackluster script, the actors strive to deliver a commendable performance. Daria Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, both known from other projects, provide solid portrayals that reasonably satisfy the viewers.
Visual Elements
The series impresses with its aesthetic presentation; the cinematography effectively captures the ambiance of various scenes. The settings range from shopping malls and homes to vibrant streets and derelict structures, creating a visually rich experience.
Closure
"Chewing Gum" is a production likely tailored to captivate a teenage audience, yet it may leave adult viewers underwhelmed. With a simplistic plot, unlikable characters, and contentious dramatic elements, this series creates a mixed bag of impressions. If you favor light dramas with straightforward conflicts, it might resonate with you. However, for those in search of deep and captivating narratives, "Chewing Gum" falls short of being a revelation.
Would I recommend this series? More likely not. The drawbacks outweigh any potential merits, making it hard to justify spending time on it.