Exploring the Teen Drama 'Chewing Gum'
On October 16, the Premier platform unveiled a new Russian television series titled "Chewing Gum." This eight-episode teen drama, directed by Alexander Tsui, invites viewers to delve into the intricate world of adolescent dilemmas, unfulfilled emotions, and the veneer of relationships that can be difficult to both understand and enjoy.
Key Information about the Project
- Genre: Drama, Youth Film
- Director: Alexander Tsui
- Total Episodes: 8
- Running Time per Episode: 45-50 minutes
- Country of Production: Russia
- Age Rating: 18+
"Chewing Gum" chronicles the lives of teenagers brimming with hopes, conflicts, and impulsive decisions that often yield unpredictable outcomes.
Plot Overview
At the heart of the story is Galya Shalamova, a girl from an orphanage who yearns to enroll in the screenplay faculty at VGIK. Galya is on the brink of liberation from the constraints of her dreary surroundings. Her mundane existence takes a turn after she's captivated by a live stream from the eccentric blogger Hans Shmyuz, who makes provocative statements in pursuit of fame. Convinced that she shares a deep connection with Hans, their paths fatefully intertwine.
The unexpected meeting between the two leads to a romantic entanglement. However, what blossoms for Galya as her first love becomes an ephemeral distraction for Hans. Quickly disillusioned, he decides to sever ties through an absurd ruse, imploring his friends to inform Galya that he has been murdered.
Refusing to accept this ludicrous outcome, Galya embarks on her own "investigation" into Hans's so-called death, aiming to uncover the truth and deliver justice for what she believes is betrayal.
Characters
- Galya Shalamova (Darya Balabanova): An orphan whose naive demeanor is shaped by grim circumstances. With dreams of becoming a screenwriter, her past looms large, haunted by a mother recently released from prison and a brutal boyfriend she struggles to escape.
- Hans Shmyuz (Anton Rogachev): A blogger with 5,000 subscribers willing to embrace the most nonsensical antics for likes and attention. A classic member of the privileged youth, Hans is neglected by his producer father and must grapple with his seriously ill younger sister.
- Kirill (Anton Artemyev): Galya's rough and unstable boyfriend who resorts to violence when faced with challenges. He pursues a life of crime, dreaming of affluence abroad.
- Misha Yelchev (Pavel Maslakov): A friend of Hans who offers a somewhat more compassionate view towards Galya than the rest of the group.
- Vera (Marusya Furina): Another friend of Hans, harboring feelings for him but realizing that serious relationship prospects are unlikely.
Impressions of the Series
Storyline and Genre
The narrative of "Chewing Gum" combines elements of a teenage drama with an ironic critique of contemporary society. It addresses themes such as first love, cruelty, misunderstandings, and the futility of certain decisions. The characters appear juvenile and often illogical, emphasizing their age and inexperience.
As the story unfolds, the pacing at times may feel sluggish, failing to grasp the viewer's attention effectively. While the first episode has a brisk tempo, subsequent chapters slow significantly.
Characters and Atmosphere
One of the primary criticisms of the series revolves around its characters. None of them evoke sympathy from the audience. Galya seems excessively naive, while Hans comes off as jaded and cynical. The supporting cast frequently seems either caricatured or relegated to the background.
Acting Performances
Despite the lackluster screenplay, the cast makes commendable efforts in their portrayals. Darya Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, the lead actors known for prior work, deliver performances that are satisfactory amidst the challenges.`
Visual Aesthetics
The series excels in its visual presentation, with cinematography that enriches the settings portrayed. The various locales—ranging from shopping malls and apartments to streets and dilapidated buildings—add depth to the narrative environment.
Closure
"Chewing Gum" appears to be a project that will undoubtedly resonate with a teenage audience, yet it likely won’t captivate adult viewers. With its simplistic plot, unlikable characters, and dubious dramatic techniques, the series leaves much to be desired. If you enjoy light dramas driven by basic conflicts, this may suit your taste. However, those in search of profound and engaging storytelling might find "Chewing Gum" to be lacking.
Would I recommend this series? Probably not. The myriad drawbacks overshadow the few positives, making it hard to justify dedicating time to it.