Chewing Gum: A Teen Drama That Divides Opinions
Exploring the Series "Chewing Gum": A Drama About Adolescents That May Leave You Puzzled
On October 16, the streaming platform Premier rolled out a new Russian series titled "Chewing Gum." This eight-episode teenage drama, directed by Alexander Tsai, invites viewers to step into the turbulent world of youth struggles, betrayed feelings, and complex relationships.
Key Facts About the Project
- Genre: Drama, Youth Film
- Director: Alexander Tsai
- Number of Episodes: 8
- Duration of One Episode: 45-50 minutes
- Production: Russia
- Age Restriction: 18+
The narrative of "Chewing Gum" centers around the lives of teenagers brimming with dreams, conflicts, and reckless decisions that often culminate in unforeseen consequences.
Storyline
The story revolves around Galya Shalamova, a girl from an orphanage with aspirations to enroll in the scriptwriting program at VGIK. Galya awaits her escape from the stifling confines of the orphanage. Her life takes an unexpected turn after watching a live stream of the eccentric blogger Hans Shmyvze, who engages in provocative statements purely for the sake of gaining popularity. Galya becomes convinced that she and Hans share a deep, kindred connection.
After an accidental meeting between the two, a romance blossoms. However, what marks Galya's first love becomes a fleeting affair for Hans, who quickly grows disillusioned and decides to break up with her in a rather bizarre manner: he enlists his friends to tell Galya that he has been killed.
Instead of resigning herself to despair, Galya embarks on her own "investigation" into Hansβs supposed demise, determined to uncover the truth and seek justice against the perceived wrongdoers.
Characters
Galya Shalamova (played by Darya Balabanova)
An orphan with an innocent spirit shaped by harsh circumstances. Galya dreams of becoming a screenwriter but is haunted by her past, including a mother recently released from prison and a violent boyfriend from whom she struggles to break free.
Hans Shmyvze (played by Anton Rogachev)
A blogger with a modest following of 5,000 subscribers, willing to engage in absurd antics for likes and attention. Hans embodies the typical "golden youth," being the son of a producer and largely ignored by his wealthy parents, with a seriously ill younger sister.
Kirill (played by Anton Artemyev)
Galya's brutish and erratic boyfriend, whose approach to problem-solving resorts to violence. Kirill engages in criminal activities to make a living and dreams of an opulent life abroad.
Misha Yelchev (played by Pavel Maslakov)
A friend of Hans who stands out for his more humane treatment of Galya compared to the others in his circle.
Vera (played by Marusya Furina)
Another of Hans's friends, who harbors feelings for him, fully aware that he is not someone to provide a serious relationship.
Impressions of the Series
Plot and Genre
The storyline intertwines elements of a teenage drama with a satirical commentary on contemporary society. It delves into themes of first love, brutality, misunderstanding, and irrational choices. The characters often come across as immature and illogical, underscoring their youth and inexperience.
The pacing of the story leaves much to be desired; while the first episode kicks off with an energetic tempo, the following episodes see a noticeable decline in dynamism, which may fail to capture the audience's engagement.
Characters and Atmosphere
One of the series' pivotal flaws lies within its characters. None of them elicit positive feelings from viewers. Galya appears overly naive, while Hans is depicted as cynical. Other characters range from cartoonishly exaggerated to merely supporting roles that lack depth.
Acting Performances
In spite of a weak script, the cast strives to deliver commendable performances. Darya Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, known from previous projects, provide satisfactory portrayals of their characters.
Visual Elements
The series contributes positively to the visual spectrum, with cinematography effectively capturing the mood of various scenes. The settings range from shopping malls and apartments to streets and abandoned buildings.
Closure
"Chewing Gum" is a project likely to attract a teenage audience but may not engage adult viewers. With its straightforward plot, unlikable characters, and contentious dramatic devices, the series presents a mixed bag. If you lean towards light dramas featuring uncomplicated conflicts, it might resonate with you. However, for those seeking deep, compelling narratives, "Chewing Gum" will likely not be a revelation.
Would I recommend the series? Probably not. The drawbacks outweigh the merits, making it hard to justify spending your time on it.