Exploring 'Chewing Gum': A Complex Teen Drama
A Deep Dive into the Series "Chewing Gum": A Teen Drama with Complexity and Challenges
On October 16, the streaming platform Premier unveiled its latest offering, a Russian series titled "Chewing Gum". This eight-episode teen drama, helmed by director Alexander Tsoy, invites viewers into the turbulent world of adolescent issues, shattered hearts, and intricate relationships that are not always easy to decipher or appreciate.
Essential Details About the Series
- Genre: Drama, Youth Film
- Director: Alexander Tsoy
- Total Episodes: 8
- Duration per Episode: 45-50 minutes
- Country of Production: Russia
- Age Rating: 18+
"Chewing Gum" chronicles the lives of teenagers as they navigate dreams, conflicts, and reckless actions that frequently lead to unforeseen consequences.
Synopsis
At the heart of this story is Gala Shalamova, a girl raised in an orphanage who harbors aspirations of entering the scriptwriting department at VGIK. Gala yearns for liberation from the suffocating confines of her childhood institution. Everything changes when she comes across a stream hosted by the eccentric blogger Hans Shmyuz, who makes outrageous claims for the sake of gaining followers. Gala feels a deep-seated connection to Hans, believing they are kindred spirits.
Their accidental meeting ignites a romance, but for Gala, it is the first taste of love while Hans sees her merely as a fleeting distraction. Disillusioned with her, he coldly opts to sever ties in a bizarre manner: he instructs his friends to tell Gala that he has been killed.
Unwilling to accept this twist of fate, Gala embarks on her own "investigation" into Hansβs supposed demise, driven by her desire to uncover the truth and hold those "responsible" accountable.
Characters
Gala Shalamova (portrayed by Darya Balabanova)
An innocent orphan whose inner world has been shaped by dire circumstances. Gala dreams of becoming a screenwriter, but shadows from her past loom over herβparticularly her mother, newly released from prison, and an abusive boyfriend she's desperate to escape.
Hans Shmyuz (played by Anton Rogachev)
A blogger with 5,000 followers, he is willing to dive into ludicrous antics for likes and attention. Hans epitomizes the privileged youth; his father is a producer, his parents are largely absent, and his younger sister suffers from a serious illness.
Kirill (acted by Anton Artemyev)
Galaβs aggressive and erratic boyfriend whose methods of problem-solving often spiral into violence. Kirill leads a life steeped in crime, aspiring to escape to a luxurious lifestyle abroad.
Misha Elchev (portrayed by Pavel Maslakov)
A friend of Hans who distinguishes himself with a more humane disposition towards Gala, offering a glimmer of warmth amidst the chaos.
Vera (played by Marusya Furina)
Another one of Hans's friends. She harbors feelings for him but quickly realizes that she can't expect anything serious from him.
Impressions of the Series
Narrative and Genre
The narrative blends elements of teenage drama with ironic commentary on modern society. It delves into themes of first love, brutality, miscommunication, and the futility of certain decisions. The characters often come off as immature and illogical, accentuating their youth and naivety.
The story unfolds at a measured pace, at times failing to engage the audience. While the premiere episode maintains an upbeat rhythm, subsequent episodes lack that same energy.
Characterization and Atmosphere
A significant shortcoming of the series is its character development. None of the characters evoke sympathy from viewers. Gala appears overly naΓ―ve, while Hans embodies cynicism. Other figures in the plot often seem caricatured or relegated to minor roles.
Performances
Despite a weak script, the actors strive to deliver commendable performances. Darya Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, who hold the leading roles, are recognized from previous works, and their portrayals are, overall, satisfactory.
Visual Aesthetic
The series is visually appealing, with cinematography that beautifully captures the essence of its settings. The locations range from bustling shopping centers and cozy apartments to desolate streets and abandoned buildings, adding depth to the storyline.
Culmination
"Chewing Gum" is a project likely to attract a younger audience but may not resonate with adult viewers. The simplistic plot, unlikable characters, and questionable dramatic choices render this series polarizing. If you're a fan of light dramas revolving around uncomplicated conflicts, you might find enjoyment in it. However, for those in search of profound and riveting narratives, "Chewing Gum" is unlikely to be a revelation.
Would I recommend this series? I lean towards giving it a pass. The multitude of drawbacks outweighs any reason to invest your time in it.