Exploring the Complexities of 'Chewing Gum' Series

A Deep Dive into the Series "Chewing Gum": A Teen Drama That’s Hard to Grasp and Love

On October 16, the Premier platform unveiled a new Russian television series titled "Chewing Gum." This eight-episode teenage drama, directed by Alexander Tsoy, invites viewers into the intricate world of adolescent struggles, broken hearts, and tangled relationships that resonate with the confusion of youth.

Project Overview

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

"Chewing Gum" chronicles the lives of teens brimming with dreams, conflicts, and reckless actions often culminating in unforeseen outcomes.

Plot Summary

The narrative centers around Galya Shalamova, a girl raised in an orphanage, aspiring to enroll in the scriptwriting department at VGIK. Galya yearns for liberation from the claustrophobic walls of her bleak surroundings. Her life takes a dramatic turn after stumbling upon a stream by the eccentric blogger Hans Shmuize, who resorts to outrageous statements for fame. Galya feels an instant connection to him, convinced they are kindred spirits.

What unfolds is an unexpected romance following a chance encounter between the two. However, while Galya views this as her first love, for Hans, it’s merely a fleeting fling. In a rather absurd twist, Hans swiftly grows disenchanted and decides to sever ties using a bizarre method: he instructs his friends to inform Galya that he has been murdered.

Instead of resigning to despair, Galya embarks on her own "investigation" into Hans's supposed death, hoping to uncover the truth and seek retribution against those she believes are responsible.

Characters

Galya Shalamova (played by Darya Balabanova)
An orphan with a naivete shaped by her harsh upbringing. Galya dreams of becoming a screenwriter, yet her past looms over her: her mother has just been released from prison, and she’s entangled with a volatile boyfriend from whom she struggles to escape.

Hans Shmuize (played by Anton Rogachev)
A blogger with 5,000 followers, he’s willing to go to ludicrous lengths for likes and attention. Hans personifies the privileged youth; his father is a producer, and his parents neglect him, while his younger sister suffers from a serious illness.

Kirill (played by Anton Artemyev)
Galya’s aggressive boyfriend, whose approach to resolving problems frequently resorts to violence. Kirill makes his living through dubious means and aspires to a life of luxury abroad.

Misha Elchev (played by Pavel Maslakov)
Hans’s friend who sets himself apart from the crew by displaying a more empathetic attitude towards Galya.

Vera (played by Marusya Furina)
Another friend of Hans, she harbors feelings for him but realizes that she shouldn’t anticipate serious commitment from him.

Impressions of the Series

Plot and Genre

The plot intertwines elements of adolescent drama with a tongue-in-cheek commentary on contemporary society. The series dives into themes of first love, brutality, misunderstandings, and senseless choices. The characters appear immature and often act irrationally, which serves to underscore their youth and inexperience.

While the story starts at a brisk pace in the first episode, it gradually loses momentum, and at times, can feel tedious.

Characters and Atmosphere

A notable criticism of the series centers on its characters; none truly elicit sympathy from the audience. Galya comes across as overly naïve, while Hans exudes cynicism. The remaining characters are either caricatures or appear underdeveloped, failing to leave a mark.

Acting Performance

Despite a lackluster script, the cast delivers commendable performances. Darya Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, known for their roles in other projects, manage to breathe life into their characters, showcasing their acting prowess.

Visual Aesthetics

Visually, the series stands out. The cinematography skillfully captures the mood of various scenes, with diverse locations ranging from shopping malls and apartments to streets and derelict buildings that add depth to the setting.

Closure

In summary, "Chewing Gum" is a series likely to capture the teenage audience, yet it may leave adults unfazed. The simplistic plot, off-putting characters, and questionable dramatic techniques render this series ambiguous at best. If you favor light dramas featuring uncomplicated conflicts, it might be worth your while. However, for those in pursuit of profound and captivating narratives, "Chewing Gum" might not be the revelation they seek.

Would I recommend this series? Probably not—the cons outweigh the pros significantly, making it hard to justify investing your time.