Exploring the Russian Teen Drama 'Chewing Gum'
A Deep Dive into the Series "Chewing Gum": A Challenging Teen Drama
On October 16, the new Russian series titled "Chewing Gum" premiered on the Premier platform, unveiling an eight-part drama crafted by the visionary director Alexander Tsoi. This series opens the door for viewers to step into the intricate universe of teenage dilemmas, crushed emotions, and tangled relationships.
Key Information About the Project
- Genre: Drama, Teen Film
- Director: Alexander Tsoi
- Number of Episodes: 8
- Duration of Each Episode: 45-50 minutes
- Production: Russia
- Age Rating: 18+
"Chewing Gum" illustrates the vibrant yet tumultuous lives of adolescents filled with dreams, conflicts, and impulsive actions that often lead to unforeseen outcomes.
The Plot Synopsis
At the heart of the story is Gala Shalamova, a girl from a children's home with aspirations to join the scriptwriting faculty at VGIK. Gala yearns for the day she can break free from the confining walls of her orphanage. Her life takes a dramatic turn after she watches a live stream from the outrageous blogger Hans Shmuze,who makes audacious claims solely for the sake of fame. To Gala, it feels as if she and Hans are kindred spirits.
A twist of fate brings the two characters together, leading to a whirlwind romance. Yet, what blooms for Gala as her first love is nothing more than a fleeting amusement for Hans. He soon grows disillusioned by their relationship and decides to disengage in an absurd manner: he instructs his friends to tell Gala that he has been killed.
Instead of accepting this bizarre closure, Gala embarks on a personal "investigation" into Hans's supposed death, aiming to uncover the truth and hold the "culprits" accountable.
Characters
Gala Shalamova (Portrayed by Darya Balabanova)
An orphan caught in a web of harsh life circumstances that have shaped her naive outlook. Gala dreams of becoming a screenwriter, yet shadows from her past linger on: a mother recently released from prison and an aggressive boyfriend from whom she finds it challenging to escape.
Hans Shmuze (Portrayed by Anton Rogachev)
A blogger who revels in attention, sporting 5,000 followers. Hans does the ridiculous for likes and validation. A prime example of today's privileged youth, he hails from a wealthy background but is largely ignored by his busy parents, while his little sister battles a serious illness.
Kirill (Portrayed by Anton Artemyev)
Gala's rough-around-the-edges boyfriend whose approach to conflicts is steeped in brutality. Kirill resorts to illegal means for survival while dreaming of an affluent life abroad.
Misha Yelchev (Portrayed by Pavel Maslakov)
Hans's friend who stands apart from the group with a more compassionate approach towards Gala.
Vera (Portrayed by Marusya Furina)
Another companion of Hans with hidden feelings for him, she is aware that she should not expect any serious commitment from him.
Impressions from the Series
Narrative and Genre
The narrative serves up a blend of teenage drama with a pinch of irony that comments on contemporary society. Exploring themes of first love, brutality, misunderstanding, and decisions devoid of meaning, the characters often come across as childish and illogical, perfectly encapsulating their youthful inexperience.
While the show kicks off with a vibrant tempo, it tends to slow down, causing the audienceβs engagement to wane as the plot unravels.
Character Development and Atmosphere
One significant hurdle the series faces lies in its character portrayal. Not a single character emerges as sympathetic. Galaβs naivety, paired with Hans's cynicism, creates a disconnect with viewers. The supporting cast appears either caricatured or secondary, lacking depth.
Acting Performance
Despite a shaky script, the actors manage to deliver solid performances. Darya Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, both known for their roles in previous projects, offer commendable portrayals, with their performances being satisfactory yet not groundbreaking.
Visual Aesthetics
On a positive note, the series captivates with its visual appeal. The cinematography effectively captures the sceneβs essence, navigating through a variety of backdrops including malls, residential spaces, bustling streets, and dilapidated buildings.
Closure
"Chewing Gum" emerges as a venture likely to resonate with teenage audiences but is less likely to captivate adult viewers. With a simplistic storyline, unlikable characters, and contentious dramatic devices, the series falls into a grey area. For those who enjoy light dramas featuring straightforward conflicts, this may strike a chord. However, for viewers in pursuit of profound and engaging narratives, "Chewing Gum" is unlikely to become a revelation.
Do I recommend the series? My inclination is toward a resounding no. The drawbacks outweigh the benefits, making it hard to justify the time commitment.