Chewing Gum: A Critical Look at the New Teen Series

The Russian series "Chewing Gum" (2024) has debuted on the Premier platform, positioning itself as a potential game changer in the realm of teen cinema. The online streaming service's executives have proclaimed this project as a pivotal moment for rejuvenating the youth show genre. Yet, viewer feedback and critical reviews spotlight glaring issues ranging from a clichéd storyline to a questionable approach in addressing sensitive themes. Let's delve into the elements that both attract and repulse audiences.

Plot: Love, Stalking, and Tragedy

At the heart of the narrative is Galiya Shalamova (played by Daria Balabanova), a girl from a Moscow suburb orphanage, who harbors dreams of entering VGIK to become a screenwriter. Her life is a tapestry of drama: abusive dynamics with her boyfriend, Kirill (Anton Artemyev), the impending release of her mother (Yulia Volkova) from prison, and an utter lack of support or genuine connection in her surroundings.

A chance encounter leads Galiya to stumble upon a stream by a popular blogger, Roma (Anton Rogachev), who is known online as Hans Shmuze. Hailing from a wealthy family, Roma embodies everything Galiya has never experienced: freedom, ease, and a carefree spirit. Enamored by Roma, Galiya begins to construct naïve fantasies about a blissful future.

As their interactions evolve from a tender date into a one-sided dependency, Galiya fabricates elements of her life to impress him while Roma interprets their relationship as a lighthearted fling. His audacious stunt of faking his own death as a prank ignites a tragic sequence of events, prompting Galiya—believing her love is truly gone—to embark on a quest to seek revenge on his supposed "killer."

Key Themes: Surface-Level or Relevant?

The series seeks to engage with various themes that ostensibly resonate with today’s youth. However, its execution leaves much to be desired.

1. Love and Stalking

Galiya swiftly transitions from an innocent dreamer to a besotted stalker. Her behavior manifests not as genuine affection but rather as a troubling dependency. Roma’s actions, characterized by deceit and manipulation, unveil classic toxicity that fails to steer the narrative towards a constructive exploration of their dynamics.

2. Bullying and Toxic Environments

Abuse permeates not only in Galiya's relationship with Kirill but also in her broader interactions with the world around her. The relentless bullying at the orphanage, lack of support, and derision from the privileged youth create a stifling atmosphere that amplifies her struggles.

3. The Parent-Child Divide

While Roma's family appears affluent, it is tragically disconnected. His mother is lost in her own troubles, his father consumed by work, and his ailing sister remains in the shadows. Conversely, Galiya’s parental figures are almost nonexistent: her mother has just been released from prison, while her father is never mentioned, leaving her bereft of familial support.

4. The Impact of Social Media

Roma embodies the archetype of a blogger who curates a fabricated lifestyle, concealing his real challenges. His entourage indulges in the pretense, playing roles in the staged death. Although this aspect intends to highlight social media's influence on youth, the series merely skims the surface of this substantial topic.

Characters: An Attempt to Portray Ambiguity

The creators asserted their aim was to forge complex, imperfect characters. Yet, the outcomes are rather mixed.

• Galiya elicits sympathy yet, her obsession often alienates viewers. She appears more as a victim of circumstance than a fully realized person.
• Roma typifies the stereotypical wealthy kid: detached, reckless, and frivolous. His most notorious action—the death prank—secures his position as largely unlikable.
• Kirill comes off as a caricatured thug from the '90s, showcasing his abusive nature from the very initial scenes.

Direction: Clichés and Mediocrity

Directed by Alexander Tsoy, previously involved with projects like "Difficult Teens" and "Connection", "Chewing Gum" sadly fails to reach the heights of the director's earlier efforts.

1. Music and Visual Atmosphere

In familiar fashion, "Chewing Gum" bombards viewers with neon-lit parties, rapid video cuts, and mediocre soundtracks. These elements provide a backdrop rather than deepening the narrative.

2. Dialogue and Screenwriting

With a team of nine screenwriters, the project still manages to fall flat. Dialogue often feels forced, and character behavior lacks logical consistency, diluting the overall impact.

Critique: Where Did the Series Fall Short?

The series did not resonate well with many viewers and critics alike.

• Clichés Over Originality: The plot is marred by familiar tropes—from neon parties to affluent teens unconcerned with financial realities.
• Lack of Authenticity: The actors portraying the teenagers noticeably appear older than their characters, raising doubts about the show's credibility.
• Absence of Cohesive Plotline: The series attempts to tackle too many themes, resulting in a plot that feels disjointed.

Comparison with Other Projects

Observers have frequently drawn comparisons between "Chewing Gum" and other series, such as "Euphoria" and "Sex Education." However, the depth of drama, character development, and relevance of issues presented in those shows significantly surpasses those found in this offering.

End: Is It Worth Watching?

"Chewing Gum" stands as a classic instance of a bid to create something timely and youthful, yet the results leave much to be desired. Its reliance on clichés, inadequate dialogues, and superficial handling of themes render it difficult for the project to shine against other offerings in the genre.

For those in search of light-hearted teen shows infused with drama, "Chewing Gum" might be a curiosity. However, viewers accustomed to more profound narratives are advised to seek out alternative projects.