Chewing Gum: A Complex Teen Drama Review
Series Review: Chewing Gum - A Teen Drama Thatβs Hard to Grasp and Endear
On October 16, the streaming platform Premier premiered a new Russian television series titled Chewing Gum. This eight-part teen drama, directed by Alexander Tsoy, invites viewers into a world rife with youthful challenges, unfulfilled emotions, and intricate relationships that arenβt always easy to navigate.
Key Facts About the Project
- Genre: Drama, Youth Film
- Director: Alexander Tsoy
- Episode Count: 8
- Duration of Each Episode: 45-50 minutes
- Production: Russia
- Age Rating: 18+
The series Chewing Gum recounts the lives of teenagers brimming with dreams, conflicts, and impetuous actions, often leading to unpredictable outcomes.
Plot Overview
At the heart of the story is Gala Shalamova, a girl raised in an orphanage, who harbors aspirations of enrolling in the screenplay faculty of VGIK. Gala yearns for liberation from the stifling walls of the orphanage, her daily life taking a dramatic turn after she stumbles upon a live-stream by an eccentric blogger named Hans Schmuse, who makes outrageous remarks purely for fame. Gala is convinced that she and Hans share a deep, soulful connection.
An unexpected encounter between the two leads to a romantic involvement. However, what becomes Galaβs first love is merely a fleeting fling for Hans. As their relationship falters, he impulsively decides to break things off by asking his friends to spread the ridiculous rumor that he has died.
Rather than resigning herself to the circumstances, Gala embarks on a personal βinvestigationβ to uncover the truth behind Hans's supposed demise, hopeful of discovering the reality and avenging any perceived wrongdoings.
Characters
- Gala Shalamova (Daria Balabanova)
An orphan and a naΓ―ve young woman shaped by her dire circumstances. Gala dreams of becoming a screenwriter, yet she grapples with the shadows of her past: her mother, who recently exited prison, and an aggressive boyfriend whoβs difficult to escape. - Hans Schmuse (Anton Rogachev)
A blogger with 5,000 followers willing to engage in ludicrous antics for likes and attention. Hans epitomizes the privileged youth; his father is a producer, his parents are aloof, and his younger sister battles a serious illness. - Kirill (Anton Artemyev)
Galaβs rough and impulsive boyfriend. His problem-solving approach tends to involve violence, as he sustains himself through criminal means while dreaming of a luxurious life abroad. - Misha Eltchev (Pavel Maslakov)
A friend of Hans, who approaches Gala with a more compassionate demeanor, standing apart from the rest. - Vera (Marusya Furina)
Another friend of Hans who harbors unreciprocated feelings for him, fully aware that serious commitment from him is likely out of reach.
Impressions of the Series
Storyline and Genre
The narrative combines elements of teenage drama with an ironic commentary on contemporary society. Central themes explored in the series include first love, cruelty, misunderstanding, and seemingly senseless actions. The characters often come across as immature and illogical, aptly reflecting their youth and inexperience.
The pacing can feel sluggish as the narrative unfolds, occasionally failing to captivate the viewer. While the initial episode may boast a lively tempo, it tends to dwindle in momentum as the series progresses.
Characters and Atmosphere
A significant shortcoming of the series lies in its characters. Viewers may struggle to form any attachment to the protagonists. Gala comes off as excessively naΓ―ve, whereas Hans seems cynical. Other characters appear either caricatured or relegated to minor roles.
Performance
Despite a lackluster script, the actors strive to deliver commendable performances. Daria Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, well-known for their previous projects, present satisfactory portrayals in their leading roles.
Visual Aesthetics
The series excels visually. The cinematography enhances the mood of various scenes, featuring a range of locations that include shopping malls, apartments, city streets, and abandoned buildings.
Ending
Chewing Gum seems poised to attract a teenage audience, yet it may not hold the same appeal for adult viewers. The simplistic plot, unlikable characters, and controversial dramatic techniques render this series quite divisive. If light dramas featuring straightforward conflicts resonate with you, it might just hit the mark. However, for those in search of profound and engaging narratives, Chewing Gum is unlikely to be a revelation.
Would I recommend the series? Likely not. There are simply too many drawbacks to warrant spending your time on it.