Exploring the Complexities of "Chewing Gum" Series

A Dive into the Series "Chewing Gum": A Teen Drama That's Tough to Grasp and Love

On October 16, the streaming platform Premier unveiled a new Russian series, "Chewing Gum." This captivating eight-part teen drama, directed by Alexander Tsoy, invites viewers to immerse themselves in the intricate world of adolescent challenges, unfulfilled feelings, and complex relationships.

Project Overview

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

"Chewing Gum" chronicles the turbulent lives of teenagers brimming with hopes, conflicts, and reckless decisions that often lead to unforeseen consequences.

Plot Summary

The series centers around Galya Shalamova, a girl raised in an orphanage, who dreams of enrolling at the VGIK scriptwriting faculty. She lives in anticipation of escaping the stifling confines of her orphaned existence. Her life takes a dramatic turn after stumbling upon a livestream by the eccentric blogger Hans Schmueze, known for his outrageous statements aimed at garnering attention. Galya feels an unshakeable connection to Hans, believing they are kindred spirits.

Their chance encounter sparks a romance. However, what Galya perceives as her first love sends Hans into a whirlwind of disillusionment, leading him to terminate their relationship through a ludicrous ruse: he enlists friends to spread the rumor that he has been killed.

Rather than succumbing to despair, Galya embarks on her own "investigation" into Hans's supposed demise, determined to uncover the truth and penalize those she believes are responsible.

Characters

Galya Shalamova (portrayed by Daria Balabanova)
An orphaned girl characterized by her naivety, shaped by her challenging past. Galya dreams of becoming a screenwriter, yet her life is shadowed by the lingering remnants of her history, including a mother recently released from prison and an aggressive boyfriend she cannot elude.

Hans Schmueze (played by Anton Rogachev)
A blogger with 5,000 followers, willing to engage in absurd antics for likes and fame. Hans represents the archetype of the affluent youth: his father is a producer, he receives little parental guidance, and his younger sister suffers from a severe illness.

Kirill (Anton Artemyev)
Galya's rough-around-the-edges boyfriend, inclined to solve problems via violence. Kirill makes a living through crime and yearns for a luxurious life abroad.

Misha Elchev (Pavel Maslakov)
A friend of Hans who distinguishes himself from the crowd through his more humane approach towards Galya.

Vera (Marusya Furina)
Another friend of Hans. She harbors feelings for him but realizes that serious romantic involvement is unrealistic.

Impressions of the Series

Plot and Genre

The narrative of "Chewing Gum" is a medley of teenage drama woven with ironic commentary on contemporary society. The series grapples with themes of first love, brutality, misunderstandings, and futile choices. The characters project an air of immaturity and inconsistency, accentuating their youth and inexperience.

The pacing of the story can be sluggish, leading to a disconnection with the audience. While the premiere episode showcases a spirited tempo, subsequent installments often see a waning of dynamic engagement.

Characters and Atmosphere

One notable drawback of the series is its character portrayal. Not a single character among the ensemble elicits viewer sympathy. Galya’s excessive naivete juxtaposed with Hans's blatant cynicism creates a gap in relatability. The remaining characters often come off as caricatures or play minor roles that don't add significant depth to the plot.

Acting Performance

Despite a lackluster script, the cast strives to deliver commendable performances. Daria Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, well-known for their roles in other productions, present performances that, while not stellar, are decent enough to hold audiences' attention.

Visual Composition

On a more positive note, the series stands out aesthetically. The cinematography brilliantly captures the essence of various scenes, showcasing a range of settings: from shopping malls and apartments to deserted streets and abandoned buildings.

End

Would I recommend the series? Regrettably, I lean towards a no. The numerous shortcomings overshadow its potential, making it hard to justify investing time in it.