Chewing Gum: Insights into a Struggling Teen Drama

A Critical Review of the Series "Chewing Gum": A Complex Teen Drama

On October 16, the Russian streaming service Premier unveiled its latest series titled "Chewing Gum." This eight-episode drama, helmed by director Alexander Tsoy, invites viewers into the tumultuous world of adolescence, replete with its myriad challenges, unfulfilled emotions, and intricate relationships.

Project Overview

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

The series "Chewing Gum" explores the lives of young individuals brimming with aspirations, disputes, and impulsive actions, which all too frequently lead to unforeseen consequences.

Plot Synopsis

At the center of the story is Galya Shalamova, a girl hailing from an orphanage, who harbors dreams of enrolling in the scriptwriting department of VGIK. Galya longs for liberation from the stifling confines of her upbringing. Her life, however, takes a dramatic twist after she stumbles upon a stream by the eccentric blogger Hans Shmuse, who garners attention by making outrageous declarations. Galya is convinced they share a unique bond, like two peas in a pod.

Following a coincidental encounter, a romantic connection blossoms between the two. However, what signifies a profound first love for Galya merely turns out to be a fleeting whim for Hans. Disillusioned, he opts to sever ties with her in an absurd manner: by enlisting the help of his friends to fabricate a story that he has been murdered.

Rather than succumbing to despair, Galya embarks on her own investigation into Hans’s supposed demise, determined to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable.

Character Profiles

Galya Shalamova (Played by Darya Balabanova)
An orphan with a naïve disposition, Galya's worldview is heavily shaped by her challenging circumstances. She dreams of becoming a screenwriter, yet her past looms large—her mother, freshly released from prison, and a violent boyfriend who proves hard to elude.

Hans Shmuse (Played by Anton Rogachev)
A blogger who plays the social media game, racking up 5,000 followers through ludicrous antics for likes and recognition. Hans embodies the archetype of the privileged youth—his producer father barely spares him a glance, while his terminally ill younger sister demands care that distracts from his self-absorbed ventures.

Kirill (Played by Anton Artemyev)
Galya’s brash and unpredictable boyfriend, Kirill resorts to violence as a means of resolving issues. Living a life steeped in crime, he dreams of escaping to a life of luxury abroad.

Misha Yelchev (Played by Pavel Maslakov)
Hans’s friend who stands apart from the crowd, displaying a more compassionate demeanor towards Galya.

Vera (Played by Marusya Furina)
Another of Hans's friends, who secretly harbors feelings for him, yet realizes that expecting a meaningful relationship is futile.

Reflections on the Series

Narrative and Genre
The narrative of "Chewing Gum" combines elements of a teen drama with a satirical commentary on contemporary society. It delves into issues of first love, cruelty, miscommunication, and the absurd decisions that young people make. The characters often come across as immature and illogical, vividly representing their inexperience and youth.

The story unfolds at a sluggish pace, occasionally struggling to captivate the viewer. While the first episode kicks off with a dynamic rhythm, the subsequent episodes often meander, losing momentum.

Character Development and Atmosphere
One of the most glaring shortcomings of this series is the character development. None of the characters evoke sympathy from the audience. Galya’s excessive naivety clashes starkly with Hans’s cynical outlook. The remaining cast members either border on caricatures or appear relegated to mere supporting roles.

Acting Performance
Even though the script leaves much to be desired, the actors strive to deliver commendable performances. Darya Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, known for their work in various other projects, manage to provide a satisfying level of engagement despite the script's weaknesses.

Visual Presentation
On a positive note, the series excels in its visual appeal. The cinematography effectively captures the ambiance of each scene, with locations ranging from shopping malls and apartments to urban streets and abandoned structures, enriching the storytelling experience.

Finale

"Chewing Gum" may successfully attract a youthful audience but is unlikely to resonate with adult viewers. Its simplistic plot, unlikable characters, and questionable dramatic techniques render it a polarizing piece. If light-hearted dramas featuring uncomplicated conflicts are your cup of tea, you might find this series enjoyable. However, for those in search of profound and captivating narratives, "Chewing Gum" will likely fall short of expectations.

Would I recommend this series? Unfortunately, it seems more prudent to say no. There are too many drawbacks to advocate for investing time in it.