A Review of "Chewing Gum": Exploring Teen Drama

An In-Depth Review of the Series "Chewing Gum": A Complex Drama Depicting Teen Struggles

On October 16, 2024, the platform Premier premiered the highly-anticipated Russian series "Chewing Gum." This eight-episode coming-of-age drama, directed by Alexander Tsui, invites viewers on a journey through the tumultuous lives of adolescents grappling with deception, emotional turmoil, and intricate relationships.

Key Information about the Project

• Genre: Drama, Teen Film
• Director: Alexander Tsui
• Number of Episodes: 8
• Duration per Episode: 45-50 minutes
• Country of Production: Russia
• Age Rating: 18+

"Chewing Gum" depicts the life of teenagers filled with hopes, conflicts, and reckless decisions that often lead to unforeseen consequences.

Plot Overview

The central character in this narrative is Gala Shalamova, a girl navigating life as a resident of an orphanage, with dreams of enrolling in the scriptwriting department at VGIK. Gala yearns for liberation from the suffocating confines of her orphanage, as she dreams of a life filled with purpose and creativity. Her world is turned upside down after she stumbles upon a livestream by the flamboyant blogger Hans Shmyuze, known for his provocative comments aimed at garnering attention. Convinced they share a kindred spirit, Gala becomes captivated by him.

After a chance meeting, an unexpected romance blossoms between the duo. However, what is an awakening experience for Gala quickly turns into a fleeting fling for Hans. Disillusioned, Hans decides to cut ties with Gala using an outlandish method: he asks his friends to announce that he's been killed.

Instead of succumbing to despair, Gala embarks on her own investigation into Hans' supposed death, determined to uncover the truth and punish the alleged perpetrators.

Characters

• Gala Shalamova (portrayed by Daria Balabanova)
  An orphan characterized by her innocence and shaped by her challenging background. Gala dreams of becoming a screenwriter but is continuously haunted by her past, including her recently released-from-prison mother and an abusive boyfriend from whom she's struggling to escape.
• Hans Shmyuze (played by Anton Rogachev)
  A social media influencer with a modest following of 5,000 users, he often resorts to ridiculous antics to gain likes and attention. Hans epitomizes the stereotypical wealthy youth—his father is a producer, and his parents provide him little attention while his younger sister faces serious health issues.
• Kirill (portrayed by Anton Artemyev)
  Gala’s rugged and abrasive boyfriend, who tends to solve problems violently. Kirill engages in illegal activities to make a living and dreams of escaping to a luxurious life abroad.
• Misha Elchev (played by Pavel Maslakov)
  A friend of Hans, who stands out for his more compassionate approach towards Gala.
• Vera (portrayed by Marusya Furina)
  Another friend of Hans, she harbors feelings for him but recognizes that a serious relationship is unlikely.

Impressions of the Series

Storyline and Genre

The plot of "Chewing Gum" interweaves teenage drama with a satirical commentary on contemporary society. It delves into themes like first love, cruelty, misunderstandings, and meaningless choices. The characters often present themselves as immature and illogical, underscoring their youth and inexperience.

However, the pacing of the story can sometimes be sluggish, which might leave some viewers feeling disengaged. The first episode kicks off with an energetic tempo, yet as the series unfolds, the momentum tends to dwindle.

Characters and Atmosphere

A significant drawback of the series lies in its characters. Most protagonists fail to evoke empathy from the audience. Gala appears excessively naive, while Hans comes off as jaded and cynical. Supporting characters either resemble caricatures or lack substantial development.

Acting Performance

Despite a lackluster script, the actors put forth commendable performances. Daria Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, known for their roles in other projects, manage to deliver satisfactory portrayals, adding layers to their respective characters.

Visuals and Cinematography

One of the standout features of the series is its visual appeal. The cinematography beautifully captures the essence of the scenes, with varied locations ranging from shopping malls and apartments to streets and abandoned buildings, enhancing the storytelling experience.

Closure

* is a series likely to capture the attention of a teenage audience but may not resonate well with mature viewers. Its simplistic narrative, unlikable characters, and contentious dramatic elements render it a polarizing experience. While it might appeal to those who enjoy light-hearted dramas with straightforward conflicts, *anyone seeking profound and captivating storytelling will find little value in "Chewing Gum."

Would I recommend this series? Probably not. There are simply too many drawbacks for me to endorse spending time on it.