Exploring the Ambiguities of Teen Drama 'Chewing Gum'

On October 16, the Russian streaming platform Premier launched its latest series titled "Chewing Gum". This eight-episode teenage drama, helmed by director Alexander Tsoy, invites audiences to step into a realm rife with adolescent struggles, disillusioned emotions, and tangled relationships.

Key Details of the Series

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

The narrative of "Chewing Gum" revolves around the lives of adolescents bursting with aspirations, conflicts, and impulsive decisions that often lead to unforeseen ramifications.

Plot Overview

The series features the protagonist Galya Shalamova, a girl raised in an orphanage, who harbors dreams of enrolling in the screenplay department of the renowned VGIK. Longing for liberation from the confining walls of the orphanage, Galya's mundane existence takes a sharp turn after she stumbles upon a live stream hosted by the eccentric blogger Hans Shmyuze. With provocative statements aimed at garnering fame, Hans captures her attention, leading Galya to believe they share a profound, almost fateful connection.

A chance encounter sparks a romance between the two, but what feels to Galya like her first taste of love is merely a fleeting affair for Hans. Disillusioned, he seeks to sever ties in a rather absurd manner—by asking his friends to inform Galya that he has tragically passed away.

Rather than accepting this peculiar twist of fate, Galya embarks on her own investigation into Hans’s supposed death, determined to uncover the truth and seek justice for this emotional betrayal.

Characters

• Galya Shalamova (Portrayed by Dar'ya Balabanova)
  A naive orphan, shaped by adversities, whose dreams of becoming a screenwriter are haunted by the shadows of her tumultuous past. Galya's hopes are often overshadowed by the recent reappearance of her mother, freshly released from prison, and the presence of her aggressive boyfriend, whose influence feels inescapable.
• Hans Shmyuze (Portrayed by Anton Rogachev)
  A blogger with a modest following of 5,000, Hans is willing to indulge in ludicrous antics for the sake of attention and likes. He embodies the reckless youth, typical of a privileged upbringing, where his producer father and neglectful parents contribute to his shallow interpersonal connections.
• Kirill (Portrayed by Anton Artyem'ev)
  Galya’s aggressive boyfriend whose solutions to life's problems revolve around violence. Engaging in criminal activities, Kirill dreams of escaping to a wealthier life abroad.
• Misha Yelchev (Portrayed by Pavel Maslakov)
  Hans’s friend who exhibits a more humane approach towards Galya, providing a stark contrast to the surrounding chaos.
• Vera (Portrayed by Marusya Furina)
  Another of Hans’s friends secretly pining for him yet resigned to the likelihood of never having a serious relationship with him.

Impressions of the Series

• Plot and Genre
  The storyline intertwines elements of teenage drama and a sarcastic commentary on today’s society. Tackling themes of first love, cruelty, misunderstandings, and ill-advised choices, the characters often appear infantile and irrational, a reflection of their youth and lack of experience.As the narrative unfolds, some viewers may find the pace sluggish, particularly after an initially engaging first episode, where the energy seems to wane.
• Character Development and Atmosphere
  One of the series’ significant shortcomings is its character development. None of the protagonists evoke genuine sympathy; Galya comes across as excessively naive, while Hans embodies cynicism. The other characters either feel like caricatures or fade into the background, lacking depth.
• Acting Performances
  Despite the script’s limitations, the cast delivers commendable performances. Dar'ya Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, both recognized from other projects, manage to provide an adequate portrayal of their roles, albeit hampered by weak dialogue.
• Visual Aesthetics
  Visually, the series offers a feast for the eyes. The cinematography captures the atmosphere splendidly, showcasing diverse locations ranging from shopping centers and apartments to streets and decrepit buildings.

Epilogue

In essence, "Chewing Gum" may resonate with its teenage audience, but it is unlikely to captivate adult viewers. With its simplistic plot, unlikable characters, and dubious dramatic techniques, this series leaves a bittersweet aftertaste. For fans of light-hearted dramas filled with straightforward conflicts, it might be enjoyable; however, those in search of profound and compelling narratives will find little to savor.

Would I recommend this series? Probably not. It presents too many flaws for me to endorse spending time on it.