Exploring 'Chewing Gum': A Unique Teen Drama Series

A Deep Dive into the Series "Chewing Gum": A Teen Drama That Challenges Understanding and Affection

On October 16, the streaming platform Premier unveiled the premiere of an intriguing new Russian series titled "Chewing Gum." This eight-episode teen drama, directed by Alexander Tsoy, invites viewers to immerse themselves in the tumultuous world of adolescence, marked by dreams dashed, feelings betrayed, and the whirlwind of complicated relationships.

Project Overview

• Genre: Drama, Teen Film
• Director: Alexander Tsoy
• Episode Count: 8
• Duration per Episode: 45-50 minutes
• Production: Russia
• Age Rating: 18+

"Chewing Gum" captures the essence of youth, exploring themes filled with aspiration, conflict, and rash decisions often leading to unforeseen consequences.

Plot Synopsis

The story revolves around Galya Shalamova, a girl raised in an orphanage who dreams of enrolling in the screenwriting program at VGIK (All-Russian State University of Cinematography). Yearning for liberation from the monotonous walls of her foster home, her life takes a dramatic turn after she watches a stream by the eccentric blogger Hans Shmuze, known for sensational claims designed to garner attention. Galya is convinced they share a deep connection as kindred spirits.

What begins as a casual acquaintance quickly blossoms into a romance. However, while Galya views this as her first experience of love, for Hans, it morphs into a fleeting affair. Disenchanted with the relationship, Hans resorts to a bizarre method to end things, enlisting his friends to tell Galya he has died.

Instead of surrendering to despair, Galya embarks on her own "investigation" into the supposed death of Hans, determined to unearth the truth and bring about justice for the alleged wrongdoing.

Characters

Galya Shalamova (played by Darya Balabanova)
Galya, an orphan with a mix of determination and naivety, is shaped by her tragic circumstances. She aspires to be a screenwriter, yet she is haunted by her past, which includes a mother recently released from prison and an aggressive boyfriend from whom she struggles to break free.

Hans Shmuze (played by Anton Rogachev)
Hans, a blogger with a modest following of 5,000, is willing to carry out absurd antics for likes and fame. As a typical member of the golden youth, he has a producer father and parents who offer little attention, leaving him to navigate a strained family dynamic including a seriously ill younger sister.

Kirill (played by Anton Artemyev)
Kirill is Galya's brutish and erratic boyfriend, whose approach to problems involves violence. His endeavors to achieve wealth involve engaging in criminal activities, and he harbors dreams of escaping to a life of luxury abroad.

Misha Yelchev (played by Pavel Maslakov)
Misha, Hans’s friend, stands out in the clique by displaying a more empathetic attitude towards Galya, highlighting a crucial contrast between him and the rest of the group.

Vera (played by Marusya Furina)
Another friend of Hans, Vera harbors feelings for him but comes to terms with the reality that serious relationships are unlikely to emerge from their complicated friendship.

Impressions of the Series

Narrative and Genre

The plot intertwines teenage drama with a satirical lens on contemporary society, addressing themes that include first love, cruelty, misunderstanding, and the often senseless choices adolescents make. The characters often come across as immature and illogical, mirroring their youth and lack of life experience.

The pacing of the story fluctuates, with an energetic start that quickly loses momentum in subsequent episodes, occasionally leaving viewers feeling disengaged.

Character Development and Atmosphere

A major critique of the series is its character construction. Not a single character evokes sympathy or connection among viewers. Galya appears overly naive, while Hans embodies a cynical archetype. The supporting cast often feels either exaggerated or sidelined.

Acting Performance

Despite the shortcomings of the script, the performances from the actors leave a positive impression. Darya Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, known for their past work, deliver suitably commendable performances that elevate the material.

Visual Presentation

Visually, the series is striking. The cinematography successfully captures the atmospheres of the various locations, from shopping malls and cozy apartments to urban streets and abandoned buildings. This diversity in settings contributes significantly to the viewing experience.

Ending

In essence, "Chewing Gum" has the potential to resonate with a younger audience seeking light-hearted dramas sprinkled with simple conflicts; however, it may fall flat for older viewers. With a simplistic plot, unlikable characters, and questionable dramatic techniques, the series presents a mixed bag. If you prefer uncomplicated teen dramas, it may well appeal to you.

But if your taste leans towards deeper and more compelling stories, then "Chewing Gum" might not be the revelation you’re hoping for.

Would I recommend this series? More likely, I would advise against watching it. The significant number of drawbacks makes it challenging to justify sacrificing your time for this one.