Exploring 'Chewing Gum': A Teen Drama Journey
On October 16, the Premier platform unveiled a new Russian series titled "Chewing Gum". This eight-part teen drama directed by Alexander Tsui invites viewers into the tumultuous world fraught with youthful dilemmas, shattered feelings, and intricate relationships.
Basic Information about the Project
- Genre: Drama, Youth Film
- Director: Alexander Tsui
- Number of Episodes: 8
- Duration of Each Episode: 45-50 minutes
- Produced in: Russia
- Age Rating: 18+
"Chewing Gum" tells the story of teens as they navigate their dreams, conflict, and rash actions that often lead to unforeseen consequences.
Plot Summary
The narrative revolves around Galya Shalamova, an orphan with aspirations of getting into the screenplay department at VGIK, a renowned film school. Living in a care facility, she yearns for liberation from the monotonous confines of her upbringing. Her life takes a dramatic turn after she stumbles upon a livestream from the eccentric blogger Hans Shmyuze, who thrives on making provocative statements for fame. Galya believes she and Hans share a profound connection.
After an unexpected meeting, a romance blossoms between them. However, what for Galya feels like the blossoming of first love, for Hans, is merely a fleeting fling. He quickly loses interest and decides to break things off in a bizarre manner: he persuades his friends to convince Galya that he has been killed.
Rather than accepting this cruel dismissal, Galya embarks on her own "investigation" into Hans's supposed demise, motivated by the desire to uncover the truth and hold the 'culprits' accountable.
Characters
- Galya Shalamova (portrayed by Darya Balabanova)
An orphan whose innocent demeanor is shaped by harsh realities. Galya dreams of becoming a screenwriter but constantly grapples with the shadows of her past, including a recently released mother from prison and a domineering boyfriend who is difficult to escape. - Hans Shmyuze (played by Anton Rogachev)
A blogger with 5,000 followers, Hans is willing to resort to absurd antics for the sake of likes and attention. He embodies the archetypal rich youth, with a father who is a producer, while his parents pay little attention to him, and his younger sister suffers from a serious illness. - Kirill (portrayed by Anton Artemyev)
Galya's crude and unstable boyfriend, exhibiting a violent approach to problem-solving. Kirill entertains dreams of a glamorous life abroad, often resorting to criminal activities for income. - Misha Yelchev (played by Pavel Maslakov)
Hans's friend, whose more humane attitude towards Galya sets him apart from the rest of the group. - Vera (featured by Marusya Furina)
Another of Hansβs friends, she harbors feelings for him but recognizes that serious commitment from him is unlikely.
Impressions of the Series
Story and Genre
The storyline dexterously intertwines elements of teen drama with an ironic commentary on contemporary society. It delves into themes of first love, brutality, misunderstanding, and the often irrational choices young people make. The characters frequently appear immature and illogical, underscoring their youth and inexperience.
While the series opens with an engaging pace, the development soon teeters off into less captivating territory, making it challenging to hold the audience's attention.
Character Depth and Atmosphere
One significant drawback arises from the characters themselves. None of them are particularly likable, with Galya coming off as excessively naΓ―ve while Hans epitomizes cynicism. The supporting cast appears either cartoonish or secondary, lacking substantial development.
Acting Performance
Despite a lackluster script, the cast attempts to deliver satisfactory performances. Both Darya Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, the actors in leading roles, are known for their participation in various projects, adding a slight depth to the characters they portray.
Visual Appeal
On the positive side, the series boasts a commendable visual presentation. Skillful cinematography captures the essence of various scenes, with locations ranging from bustling shopping centers and apartments to urban streets and desolate structures.
End
In summary, "Chewing Gum" is a project that may entice a teenage audience but is unlikely to resonate with adult viewers. Its simplistic plot, unappealing characters, and questionable dramatic techniques make this series a mixed bag. If you enjoy light dramas with straightforward conflicts, it might suit your taste. However, for those seeking profound and gripping narratives, "Chewing Gum" will not reveal itself as a treasure.
Would I recommend this series? Probably not. There are simply too many drawbacks to justify spending your time on it.