Exploring 'Chewing Gum': A Teen Drama with Depth

A Deep Dive into the Series "Chewing Gum": A Complex Teen Drama That's Hard to Embrace

On October 16, the Russian platform Premier kicked off an engaging exploration of adolescence through the series titled "Chewing Gum". Directed by the talented Alexander Tsoi, this eight-episode teen drama thrusts viewers into the tangled web of youthful struggles, unfulfilled emotions, and intricate relationships that can often leave one bewildered yet captivated.

Overview of 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+

"Chewing Gum" captures the essence of teen life—a rollercoaster filled with aspirations, conflicts, and impulsive actions, all of which frequently lead to unforeseen consequences.

Plot Summary

At the heart of the story is Galya Shalamova, a girl raised in an orphanage with dreams as big as the sky, aspiring to enroll in the screenplay writing department of VGIKe. Galya yearns for liberation from the suffocating confines of her upbringing. Her fate takes a wild turn after she stumbles upon the controversial livestream of a flamboyant blogger named Hans Shmiuze, known for his outrageous statements aimed at achieving fame. Galya is convinced they share a deep, intrinsic bond.

The encounter between them sparks a budding romance; however, what blossoms in Galya’s heart as heartfelt love is merely a fleeting dalliance for Hans. He quickly grows disinterested, leading to an equally bizarre breakup wherein he convinces his friends to stage his own death in front of her.

Rather than wallow in despair, Galya embarks on a mission to uncover the truth behind Hans’s supposed death, driven by a desire to serve justice.

Character Profiles

Galya Shalamova (played by Darya Balabanova)
An innocent orphan, Galya is shaped by the harsh realities of her life. She dreams of becoming a screenwriter but is haunted by her past, which includes a recently released convict mother and an aggressive boyfriend she can’t shake off.

Hans Shmiuze (played by Anton Rogachev)
With a following of 5,000, Hans is a blogger willing to engage in absurd antics for likes and attention. He represents the archetype of privileged youth; raised in a family where his father is a producer, he has little parental guidance, and his younger sister battles a serious illness.

Kirill (played by Anton Artemiev)
Galya’s rough and brutal boyfriend, Kirill resolves disputes with force. He lives a life of crime, harbors dreams of wealth abroad, and embodies toxic masculinity.

Misha Yelchev (played by Pavel Maslakov)
Hans’s friend, who distinguishes himself with a more compassionate demeanor towards Galya compared to the rest of the gang.

Vera (played by Marusya Furina)
Another of Hans’s friends, Vera nurtures feelings for him, yet realizations dawn on her that serious relationships are not on Hans’s agenda.

Impressions of the Series

Narrative and Genre

The storyline interweaves elements of teenage angst with a satirical lens on contemporary society. It delves into themes such as first love, brutal realities, miscommunication, and trivial decisions with serious ramifications. The characters often come off as juvenile and illogical, underscoring their immaturity.

As the narrative unfolds, the pacing varies significantly—from brisk beginnings to moments of lethargy where audiences may feel detached.

Characters and Atmosphere

Arguably one of the series’ standout issues lies within its characters. None resonate favorably with viewers; Galya may seem overly naive, while Hans embodies cynicism. Supporting roles tend to appear exaggerated or secondary, taking away from a cohesive narrative.

Performances

Despite a lackluster script, the actors put forth commendable performances. Darya Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, both recognized in previous projects, deliver performances that, while not groundbreaking, are satisfactory given the material.

Visual Aesthetics

In terms of visual representation, the series impresses with its cinematography. The camera work effectively captures the essence of various scenes, showcasing a range of locales from bustling malls to neglected buildings.

Ending

"Chewing Gum" stands as a project likely to attract a teenage audience but falls short of captivating adults. It’s plagued by rudimentary storytelling, unsavory characters, and contentious dramatic techniques that render it polarizing. If your preference leans towards simplistic dramas with straightforward conflicts, this series may find a place in your watchlist. However, for those in pursuit of profound narratives and engaging storytelling, "Chewing Gum" may disappoint.

Would I recommend this series? Probably not. There are far too many drawbacks to suggest investing your time here.