Exploring the Flaws and Themes of Chewing Gum Series
The Teen Drama Series "Chewing Gum": A Reboot or a Recycled Formula?
The Russian television series "Chewing Gum" (2024), which premiered on the Premier platform, aims to redefine the landscape of teen cinema. The platform's executives hailed the show as a pivotal step in revamping their lineup of youth-oriented shows. However, the mixed audience reactions and criticisms spotlight glaring flaws—such as cliché plots and a questionable treatment of its themes. Let's dive deep into what draws viewers to this series and what might leave them feeling disenchanted.
Plot: Love, Stalking, and Heartbreaks
At the heart of the narrative lies Galya Shalamova (portrayed by Darya Balabanova), a girl from a foster home in the Moscow suburbs, whose ambition is to get into the prestigious VGIK drama school and become a screenwriter. Her life is laden with dramatic twists: she grapples with an abusive relationship with her boyfriend Kirill (played by Anton Artemyev), the impending release of her mother (Yulia Volkova) from prison, and the complete absence of emotional support.
Galya’s world takes a turn when she stumbles upon a live stream hosted by the charismatic blogger Roma (Anton Rogachyov), known online as Hans Shmyuze. Hailing from a wealthy background, Roma embodies everything Galya yearns for—a sense of freedom, ease, and carefreeness. As she falls for Roma, she begins to construct naive dreams of a blissful future together.
However, the dynamic between Galya and Roma, which starts off as a romantic endeavor, quickly morphs into a one-sided obsession. In a desperate bid to impress Roma, Galya fabricates stories about her life, while Roma treats their relationship as nothing more than light-hearted flirtation. His reckless act of faking his death for a prank becomes a catalyst for a tragic turn of events. Convinced that her beloved has died, Galya embarks on a quest to track down and punish his supposed "killer."
Key Themes: Superficiality or Relevance?
The series touches on several themes that are, on the surface, relatable to contemporary youth. Yet, its execution raises many questions.
1. Love and Stalking
Galya swiftly transforms from a young dreamer into an obsessive stalker. Her behavior reflects not so much love but rather a painful dependency. Roma's actions reveal manipulation and dishonesty, showcasing an all-too-typical toxic dynamic.
2. Bullying and Toxic Environments
Abuse is pervasive in Galya’s experiences, from her relationship with Kirill to the culture surrounding her. The relentless bullying at the orphanage, coupled with the derision from the privileged elite, cultivates a stifling atmosphere.
3. Parent-Child Dynamics
Despite their affluence, Roma's family exemplifies emotional distance and dysfunction. His mother is lost in her own troubles, his father is devoted to his career, and his sick sister is relegated to the shadows. In stark contrast, Galya’s familial support is non-existent; her mother has just been released from prison, and her father is merely an afterthought.
4. The Impact of Social Media
As a quintessential influencer, Roma curates a fabricated lifestyle, hiding his own reality from the world. His companions aid in perpetuating this deception, particularly during the staged death prank. While this facet could emphasize social media's impact on teens, it is dealt with in a rather shallow manner throughout the series.
Characters: Aiming for Complexity
The creators of the series claimed their goal was to craft multifaceted, flawed characters. Yet, the outcomes are far less definitive.
- Galya elicits sympathy and compassion, but her obsession often alienates viewers. She appears more as a victim of circumstance than an empowered individual.
- Roma is the archetype of a spoiled rich kid: wealthy, emotionally detached, and flippant. His actions, notably the prank involving "death," make him utterly unsympathetic.
- Kirill, on the other hand, is depicted as a caricature of a 1990s thug; his abusive tendencies are evident from their very first interaction.
Direction: Clichés and Mediocrity
Directed by Alexander Tsoy, who previously worked on projects such as "Difficult Teens" and "Smyslok," "Chewing Gum" unfortunately fails to reach the bar set by his earlier works despite his experience in youth dramas.
1. Music and Visuals
Like many domestic teen series, "Chewing Gum" is replete with neon-lit parties, quick-cut montages, and lackluster music. Instead of enriching the narrative, these elements serve merely as background noise.
2. Dialogue and Script
The project enlisted nine screenwriters; regrettably, their collaborative efforts resulted in only a superficial product. Dialogue often sounds contrived, and character actions are frequently illogical.
Criticism: Why Did the Series Disappoint?
Both viewers and critics have expressed dissatisfaction with **"Chewing Gum."
- Clichés Over Originality: The plot is riddled with tropes—from neon parties to the extravagant lives of privileged teenagers.
- Lack of Realism: The actors portraying teenagers appear considerably older than their characters, triggering doubts about authenticity.
- Absence of Clear Focus: The series attempts to cover too much ground, causing the storyline to lack coherence.
Comparisons with Other Productions
Viewers have frequently drawn parallel comparisons between "Chewing Gum" and other series like "Euphoria" or "Sex Education." Yet, these shows significantly surpass it in terms of depth, character development, and their exploration of relevant themes.
The End: Worth Watching?
In summary, "Chewing Gum" exemplifies a well-meaning attempt to create something relevant and youthful, but the end result falls short of expectations. The reliance on clichés, weak dialogue, and superficial treatment of subjects prevents this series from really standing out among others in the genre.
For those looking for a light teen drama sprinkled with elements of tragedy, "Chewing Gum" may appear appealing. However, viewers accustomed to more nuanced narratives might want to seek out other offerings.