Chewing Gum Series Review: Teen Drama Unpacked

On October 16th, the Premier platform unveiled its latest Russian series titled "Chewing Gum." This eight-episode teen drama, directed by Alexander Tsoi, immerses its audience into the tumultuous world of adolescent struggles, unrequited love, and tangled relationships.

Basic Information About the Project

• Genre: Drama, Youth Film
• Director: Alexander Tsoi
• Number of Episodes: 8
• Duration of Each Episode: 45-50 minutes
• Production: Russia
• Age Rating: 18+

The series "Chewing Gum" depicts the lives of teenagers, overflowing with dreams, conflicts, and impulsive decisions that frequently lead to unpredictable consequences.

The Plot

At the center of the narrative is Galya Shalamova, a girl from an orphanage who aspires to enter the screenwriting program at VGIK. Galya yearns for liberation from the dull confines of the orphanage. Her reality shifts dramatically after she watches a live stream by the eccentric blogger Hans Shmyuze, known for his provocative statements aimed at gaining popularity. Galya becomes convinced that she and Hans share a deep connection.

An unexpected encounter sparks a romance between them. However, what is the first love for Galya is merely a fleeting dalliance for Hans, who quickly grows disillusioned and decides to end things in a bizarre manner: he asks his friends to tell Galya that he has been killed.

Rather than accepting this heartbreak, Galya launches her own "investigation" into Hans's supposed death, determined to uncover the truth and bring the "culprits" to justice.

Characters

• Galya Shalamova (played by Darya Balabanova)
  An orphan, naive yet resilient, she is shaped by the weighty circumstances of her life. While she dreams of becoming a screenwriter, her past looms like a shadow, including a mother recently released from prison and an aggressive boyfriend from whom she struggles to break free.
• Hans Shmyuze (played by Anton Rogachev)
  A blogger with around 5,000 followers who is willing to engage in absurd antics for likes and attention. Hans epitomizes the privileged youth culture: his father is a producer, his parents neglect him, and his younger sister is seriously ill, bringing added emotional turmoil.
• Kirill (played by Anton Artemyev)
  Galya's rough and erratic boyfriend whose response to problems is often violence. He thrives on illegal activities and holds a dream of a luxurious life abroad.
• Misha Yelchev (played by Pavel Maslakov)
  Hans's friend, who stands out from the crowd for his more humane attitude toward Galya.
• Vera (played by Marusya Furina)
  Another of Hans's friends, she harbors feelings for him but realizes that serious commitment from him is unlikely.

Impressions of the Series

Storyline and Genre

The series combines elements of coming-of-age drama with a satirical take on contemporary society. It tackles themes of first love, brutality, misunderstandings, and the folly of impulsive decisions. The characters often appear immature and illogical, underscoring their youth and inexperience.

The narrative unfolds at a deliberate pace, sometimes failing to engage viewers. While the first episode grips with a brisk tempo, subsequent episodes tend to lose that momentum.

Character Development and Atmosphere

One of the series' primary drawbacks is its characters. None of the protagonists really resonate with the audience. Galya comes off as overly naive, whereas Hans is portrayed as jaded. The supporting cast tends to be either caricaturish or secondary, lacking depth and appeal.

Performance

Despite a lackluster script, the actors strive for commendable performances. Darya Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, both known for various other projects, deliver satisfactory portrayals that carry some weight.

Visual Presentation

The series impresses with its visuals. The cinematography successfully captures the essence of the scenes, ranging across diverse settings from shopping malls and apartments to streets and abandoned buildings.

Ending

"Chewing Gum" is a project that, while likely to attract a teenage audience, may not hold much appeal for adult viewers. With a simplistic plot, unlikable characters, and questionable dramatic techniques, this series remains ambiguous in its engagement. If you enjoy light dramas filled with straightforward conflicts, it might resonate with you. However, those seeking profound and captivating narratives may find "Chewing Gum" lacking in substance.

Would I recommend this series? Probably not. There are simply too many shortcomings to justify spending your time on it.