Exploring the Russian Teen Drama 'Chewing Gum'
Overview of the Series "Chewing Gum": A Teen Drama That's Hard to Grasp and Love
On October 16, the Premier platform debuted a new Russian series entitled "Chewing Gum." This eight-episode teenage drama, helmed by director Alexander Tsoy, invites viewers to delve into the tumultuous world of adolescent challenges, betrayed emotions, and intricate relationships.
Key Project Information
- Genre: Drama, Youth Film
- Director: Alexander Tsoy
- Number of Episodes: 8
- Duration of Each Episode: 45-50 Minutes
- Production Country: Russia
- Age Rating: 18+
"Chewing Gum" tells the tale of teenagers filled with dreams, conflicts, and reckless actions that often lead to unforeseen repercussions.
Plot Summary
The story centers around Galya Shalamova, a girl raised in an orphanage who aspires to enroll in the screenplay department at VGIK. Galya dreams of breaking free from the monotonous confines of her upbringing. Her life takes an unexpected turn after she watches a live stream by the eccentric blogger Hans Shmyuze, who makes provocative statements to garner popularity. Galya believes that she and Hans are kindred spirits.
A chance encounter ignites a romance between the two. However, what becomes Galya’s first love is, for Hans, merely a fleeting fling. Disillusioned, Hans decides to end their relationship in a bizarre way: he enlists his friends to tell Galya that he has been killed.
Rather than accepting this shocking news, Galya embarks on her own "investigation" into Hans' supposed death, determined to uncover the truth and mete out justice to the "culprits."
Characters
Galya Shalamova (Daria Balabanova)
An orphan and naive girl, her inner world has been shaped by her harsh experiences. Galya dreams of becoming a screenwriter, yet she is haunted by her past, which includes her recently released from prison mother and an aggressive boyfriend from whom she struggles to break free.
Hans Shmyuze (Anton Rogachev)
A blogger boasting 5,000 subscribers, Hans is willing to go to absurd lengths for likes and attention. He embodies the typical "golden youth" persona: the son of a producer, he receives little attention from his parents, while his younger sister suffers from a severe illness.
Kirill (Anton Artemyev)
Galya's brutish and unpredictable boyfriend. His problem-solving methods lean heavily toward violence, and he gets by with dubious, even criminal ventures while dreaming of a life of luxury abroad.
Misha Yelchev (Pavel Maslakov)
Hans' friend, who stands out for displaying a more compassionate attitude towards Galya compared to the rest of their group.
Vera (Marusia Furina)
Another one of Hans' friends, Vera harbors feelings for him but understands that she shouldn't expect any serious relationship from him.
Impressions of the Series
Plot and Genre
The storyline weaves together elements of adolescent drama with an ironic commentary on contemporary society. The series addresses themes such as first love, cruelty, misunderstanding, and senseless decision-making. Characters come off as immature and often illogical, accentuating their youth and lack of experience.
The pace of the story can feel sluggish at times, failing to grip the viewer fully. While the first episode boasts an engaging tempo, subsequent episodes tend to drag, diminishing the initial excitement.
Characters and Atmosphere
One of the main issues confronting the series is the characters themselves. None of the personalities radiates charm; viewers may struggle to identify with anyone. Galya's naivety feels excessive, while Hans exudes a sense of cynicism. The supporting cast appears either comically exaggerated or disappointingly secondary.
Acting Performance
Despite a beneath-average script, the cast strives to deliver commendable performances. Daria Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, both familiar faces in other projects, offer satisfactory portrayals in their respective roles.
Visual Elements
Visually, the series showcases impressive cinematography. The camera work successfully captures the essence of each scene. The settings are diverse, ranging from shopping malls and apartments to streets and deserted buildings, contributing to the series' overall ambiance.
Closure
"Chewing Gum" is a project sure to capture the teenage audience but may not hold much appeal for adult viewers. With a simplistic narrative, unlikeable characters, and questionable dramatic techniques, this series leaves a mixed impression. If you enjoy light dramas with straightforward conflicts, it could resonate with you. However, for those seeking profound and captivating stories, "Chewing Gum" is unlikely to be a revelation.
Would I recommend this series? In all honesty, probably not. There are simply too many drawbacks to justify spending your time on it.