Understanding the Complexities of "Chewing Gum" Series

On October 16, a new Russian series titled "Chewing Gum" made its debut on the Premier platform. This eight-part teen drama, directed by Alexander Tsai, invites viewers to dive into the tumultuous world of adolescent issues, dashed hopes, and complex relationships.

Key Information About the Project

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

"Chewing Gum" narrates the lives of teenagers brimming with dreams, conflicts, and hasty decisions often leading to unforeseen consequences.

Plot Summary

At the center of the story is Galya Shalamova, a girl from an orphanage who harbors aspirations of enrolling in the screenplay program at VGIK. Galya eagerly anticipates the day she can finally escape the oppressive confines of the orphanage. Her life takes a dramatic turn after she views a live stream by the eccentric blogger Hans Shmuze, who makes outrageous statements in his quest for fame. Galya comes to believe that she and Hans are soulmates.

A chance encounter between the two leads to a budding romance. However, what represents a first love for Galya becomes merely a fleeting escapade for Hans. Disillusioned, Hans decides to break things off with Galya in an absurd manner: he enlists his friends to inform her that he has been killed.

Instead of accepting this grim news, Galya embarks on her own investigation into Hans's supposed death, determined to uncover the truth and bring the supposed "culprits" to justice.

Characters

Galya Shalamova (portrayed by Darya Balabanova)
An orphan with a naivety shaped by her challenging past. Galya dreams of being a screenwriter, yet she is haunted by troubling memories: her mother, who has just been released from prison, and a violent boyfriend from whom she struggles to break away.

Hans Shmuze (played by Anton Rogachev)
A blogger with 5,000 followers, Hans is willing to engage in ridiculous antics for likes and attention. He fits the stereotype of the privileged youth: his father is a producer, his parents are often absent, and his younger sister suffers from a serious illness.

Kirill (portrayed by Anton Artemyev)
Galya's brash and unstable boyfriend whose method of handling problems often involves violence. Kirill makes a living through shady dealings and dreams of a lavish life abroad.

Misha Yelchev (played by Pavel Maslakov)
Hans's friend, who differentiates himself from the rest of the gang with his more humane attitude towards Galya.

Vera (portrayed by Marusya Furina)
Another one of Hans's friends who harbors feelings for him but understands that serious commitment is not on the horizon.

Impressions of the Series

Plot and Genre
The narrative weaves together elements of adolescent drama and ironic commentary on modern society. It tackles themes of first love, cruelty, misunderstanding, and impulsive decisions. The characters often come across as childish and illogical, reflecting their age and inexperience.

The story progresses at a slow pace, with moments that fail to captivate the audience. While the first episode may boast a brisk tempo, the momentum dissipates in subsequent episodes.

Characters and Atmosphere
One of the series' notable shortcomings is its character development. None of the characters evoke strong sympathy from viewers. Galya appears overly naive, while Hans exhibits a cynical demeanor. The rest of the characters often seem either cartoonish or relegated to secondary roles.

Acting Performance
Despite the lackluster script, the cast endeavors to deliver commendable performances. Darya Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, who occupy the lead roles, have prior experience in other projects, and their portrayals are reasonably solid.

Visual Elements
"Chewing Gum" impressively captures visual appeal, with cinematic techniques that enhance the scene's atmosphere. Locations vary widely, showcasing everything from shopping malls and apartments to streets and abandoned buildings.

End

"Chewing Gum" appears tailored specifically for a teenage audience, yet it may not fare well with adult viewers. A simplistic plot, unlikable characters, and questionable dramatic techniques render the series controversial. For those who enjoy light dramas centered around straightforward conflicts, this series might resonate; however, those on the lookout for profound and engaging storytelling may be left wanting.

Would I recommend the series? Probably not. The drawbacks outweigh the benefits, making it hard to justify dedicating time to this show.