Exploring 'Chewing Gum': A Unique Teen Drama Experience
An In-Depth Look at the Series "Chewing Gum": A Teen Drama That Challenges Understanding and Affection
On October 16, 2024, the new Russian series "Chewing Gum" premiered on the Premier platform. Directed by Alexander Tsoy, this eight-episode teen drama immerses viewers into the tumultuous world of adolescent issues, heart-wrenching emotions, and intricate relationships that often leave audiences baffled.
Project Overview
- Genre: Drama, Youth Film
- Director: Alexander Tsoy
- Number of Episodes: 8
- Duration of Each Episode: 45-50 minutes
- Country of Production: Russia
- Age Rating: 18+
"Chewing Gum" chronicles the lives of teenagers filled with aspirations, conflicts, and reckless decisions that often lead to unforeseen consequences.
Plot Summary
The storyline revolves around Galya Shalamova, a girl who has grown up in an orphanage and harbors dreams of entering the scriptwriting faculty of VGIK. Ensnared by the dreariness of her current life, Galya yearns for freedom and a new beginning. This longing takes a dramatic turn after she encounters a livestream of the eccentric blogger Hans Shmyuz, whose provocative statements are aimed at gaining traction and notoriety. Convinced that they share a deep connection, Galya sees Hans as her soulmate.
Their fateful meeting ignites a romance; however, what Galya perceives as her first genuine love quickly devolves into nothing more than a fleeting fling for Hans. Disillusioned, he decides to break off their relationship in a rather absurd manner: he instructs his friends to tell Galya that he has been murdered.
Rather than accept this bizarre twist of fate, Galya embarks on her own investigation into Hans's supposed death, determined to uncover the truth and confront those she believes to be responsible.
Characters
Galya Shalamova (portrayed by Daria Balabanova)
A naive orphan, Galya's perspective on life has been shaped by her harsh realities. She dreams of becoming a screenwriter, but the shadows of her past loom large over her—her mother, recently released from prison, and an aggressive boyfriend from whom she finds it difficult to break free.
Hans Shmyuz (played by Anton Rogachev)
A blogger with a modest following of 5,000 subscribers, Hans is willing to go to great lengths for likes and attention. As a prototypical member of the privileged youth, his life is insulated by wealth—his father is a producer, and his parents are indifferent to his struggles, while his younger sister battles serious illness.
Kirill (portrayed by Anton Artemyev)
Galya's callous boyfriend, Kirill's solutions to problems often involve violence. He engages in criminal activities to support himself and dreams of an opulent life abroad.
Misha Yelchev (played by Pavel Maslakov)
Hans's friend, Misha stands apart from the group with his more compassionate approach toward Galya.
Vera (portrayed by Marusya Furina)
Another friend of Hans, Vera harbors feelings for him but ultimately recognizes that he is unlikely to offer her the serious relationship she desires.
Impressions of the Series
Narrative Structure and Genre
The plot serves as a blend of teenage drama and ironic commentary on contemporary society. Throughout the series, themes of first love, brutality, misunderstandings, and irrational decisions unfold. The characters often come across as infantile and illogical, reinforcing their youthful inexperience.
However, the pacing of the narrative leaves much to be desired—while the first episode grabs attention with a brisk tempo, the subsequent ones seem to dwindle, dragging their feet over the unfolding drama.
Characters and Atmosphere
One notable pitfall of the series is the cast of characters. None elicit genuine sympathy from the audience. Galya's extreme naivety contrasts sharply with Hans's cynicism, while the supporting characters appear either caricatured or forgettable, lacking depth.
Performance Quality
Despite a script that leaves much to be desired, the actors strive to deliver commendable performances. Daria Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, both seasoned performers recognized from prior projects, provide adequate portrayals of their respective characters.
Visual Aesthetics
On the visual front, the series is a feast for the eyes. The cinematography effectively highlights the atmospheric qualities of the scenes. Diverse settings—from shopping malls and apartments to bustling streets and dilapidated buildings—contribute to the overall ambiance.
Culmination
In summary, "Chewing Gum" appears poised to resonate with a teenage audience, though it is unlikely to captivate adult viewers. The simplistic narrative, insipid characters, and questionable dramatic techniques render the series a polarizing viewing experience.
If you appreciate light-hearted dramas with uncomplicated conflicts, you might find enjoyment in this series. However, for those in search of profound and compelling tales, "Chewing Gum" is unlikely to meet your expectations.
Would I recommend this series? Probably not. There are simply too many drawbacks to justify spending your time on it.