Chewing Gum: A Deep Dive into Youthful Turmoil
Overview of the Series "Chewing Gum": A Teen Drama That's Hard to Understand and Love
On October 16, the streaming platform Premier unveiled its latest Russian series titled "Chewing Gum." This eight-part teen drama, directed by the talent of Alexander Tsoy, invites viewers to navigate the turbulent waters of youthful dilemmas, misplaced affections, and intricate relationships that characterize the adolescent experience.
Key Information about the Project
- Genre: Drama, Youth Film
- Director: Alexander Tsoy
- Number of Episodes: 8
- Duration per Episode: 45-50 minutes
- Production Country: Russia
- Age Rating: 18+
"Chewing Gum" delves into the lives of teenagers brimming with dreams, inner turmoils, and reckless actions that often lead to unforeseen ramifications.
Plot Summary
At the heart of the storyline lies Galya Shalamova, a girl raised in an orphanage, harboring aspirations of enrolling in the screenplay faculty at VGIK. Galya yearns for liberation from the confining walls of the shelter that have defined her existence. Her world transforms dramatically upon watching a livestream by the flamboyant blogger Hans Shmuze, who makes provocative statements primarily for the sake of gaining notoriety. Galya is convinced that she and Hans are kindred spirits.
An unexpected acquaintance between the two blossoms into a romance. However, while this marks Galya’s first taste of love, for Hans, it is merely a fleeting encounter. Disillusioned, he opts to end their relationship in a rather outrageous fashion by asking his friends to announce that he has been killed.
Instead of resigning to despair, Galya embarks on a determined quest to uncover the truth behind Hans's 'death', intent on avenging the supposed wrongs against her.
Character Breakdown
Galya Shalamova (portrayed by Darya Balabanova)
An orphan imbued with innocence, Galya’s world is shaped by harrowing circumstances. Though she aspires to be a screenwriter, her past shadows her: a mother released from prison and a violent boyfriend from whom escape is difficult.
Hans Shmuze (played by Anton Rogachev)
An influencer with a 5000-strong follower count, Hans is willing to engage in the most absurd antics for likes and attention. He epitomizes the affluent youth, coming from a family where his father is a producer, yet largely neglected by his parents, while his younger sister grapples with serious health issues.
Kirill (Anton Artyemyev)
Galya's rude and impulsive boyfriend, whose conflict resolution tactics revolve around violence. Kirill resorts to criminal activities to sustain himself and dreams of living a lavish life abroad.
Misha Elchev (Pavel Maslakov)
Hans's friend, whose humanity and empathy toward Galya set him apart from the rest of their group.
Vera (Marusya Furina)
Another close friend of Hans, grappling with her feelings for him while realistically acknowledging the unlikelihood of a serious relationship.
Impressions of the Series
Plot and Genre
The series presents a fusion of adolescent drama laced with an ironic commentary on contemporary society. It addresses themes of first love, cruelty, misunderstandings, and the fruitlessness of certain choices. The characters often appear immature and illogical, accentuating their youth and inexperience.
The pacing of the narrative fluctuates; while the pilot episode is engaging, subsequent episodes tend to meander, potentially losing viewers' interest.
Character Depth and Atmosphere
One of the series' core issues is its character portrayal. None of the protagonists evoke sympathy in the audience. Galya comes across as excessively naïve, while Hans is steeped in cynicism. The supporting cast either feels like caricatures or mere afterthoughts in the overarching story.
Performance Quality
In spite of a lackluster script, the cast endeavors to deliver commendable performances. Darya Balabanova and Anton Rogachev are both recognized talents, and their portrayals are largely satisfactory.
Visual Aesthetics
Visually, the series is appealing. The cinematographer effectively encapsulates the ambiance of various scenes. The settings range from shopping malls and intimate apartments to city streets and abandoned infrastructures, adding texture to the narrative.
Finale
In essence, "Chewing Gum" is a project poised to resonate with its teenage audience, although it may not capture the interest of older viewers. With its simplistic storyline, unlikeable characters, and contentious dramatic techniques, the series is bound to evoke mixed feelings. If light dramas centered on uncomplicated conflicts are your cup of tea, you just might enjoy this offering. However, for those seeking profound and gripping narratives, "Chewing Gum" may not deliver the epiphany you desire.
Would I recommend this series? Probably not. It presents too many drawbacks to warrant the expenditure of your time.