Exploring the Flaws of the Series 'Chewing Gum'

The Russian series "Chewing Gum" (2024), debuting on the Premier platform, is heralded as a fresh addition to the teen film landscape. The streaming service has claimed that this project will be a catalyst for revitalizing their youth-oriented shows. Yet, viewer feedback and critical analysis reveal glaring issues, ranging from a predictable storyline to a dubious approach to thematic exploration. Let’s delve into what draws audiences in and what pushes them away.

Plot: Love, Stalking, and Tragedies

At the heart of this narrative lies Galia Shalamova (played by Darya Balabanova), a girl hailing from a Moscow region orphanage, with aspirations to attend VGIK and become a screenwriter. Her life is plagued with dramatic twists: an abusive relationship with her boyfriend Kirill (Anton Artemyev), the impending release of her mother (Yulia Volkova) from prison, and a complete lack of support and genuine connection.

Galia stumbles upon the live stream of a popular blogger, Roma (Anton Rogachev), known online as Hans Shmyuzy. This young man, coming from a wealthy background, appears to be everything Galia has never experienced: freedom, lightness, and a carefree existence. Captivated by Roma, she unfolds naïve fantasies of a happy future together.

Their interaction begins with romantic sparks but quickly morphs into an unhealthy obsession. Galia fabricates stories about her life to impress Roma, who perceives their relationship as nothing more than playful flirtation. When Roma stages his own death for a prank, the consequences become tragic. Galia, believing her beloved is truly gone, embarks on a quest to locate and confront his supposed "murderer."

Key Themes: Surface-Level or Relevant?

The series presents various themes that ought to resonate with contemporary youth. However, the execution raises several concerns.

1. Love and Stalking

Galia swiftly transforms from an innocent dreamer into an obsessive stalker. Her behavior reflects not so much sincere affection as it does a painful dependency. Meanwhile, Roma's deceitful and manipulative actions embody a troubling toxicity.

2. Bullying and Toxic Environments

The theme of abuse permeates not only Galia’s encounters with Kirill but also her broader interactions with society. The harassment she faces in the orphanage, coupled with the ridicule from the so-called "golden youth," establishes an oppressive backdrop.

3. Parent-Child Dynamics

While Roma's family appears materially prosperous, they are emotionally fragmented and distant. His mother is preoccupied with her problems, his father is immersed in work, and his ill sister remains hidden in the shadows. In stark contrast, Galia lacks parental support altogether; her mother has just been released from prison, and her father is absent from the picture.

4. The Impact of Social Media

Roma, as a quintessential blogger, curated a façade of a perfect life, concealing his actual struggles. His circle perpetuates this illusion, participating in the death prank. While this aspect might have underscored social media's influence on young people, the series only scratches the surface.

Characters: Attempting to Showcase Complexity

The creators asserted their objective was to develop complex, flawed characters, but the outcome is mixed.

• Galia often elicits pity and empathy; however, her fixation and choices can be alienating. She resembles more of a pawn in her circumstances than an independent individual.
• Roma is portrayed as a cookie-cutter wealthy kid: detached, indifferent, and fickle. His actions, particularly the prank involving his "death," render him distinctly unlikable.
• Kirill, on the other hand, comes off as a caricature of a 90s thug, with his abusive tendencies being glaringly evident from the outset.

Direction: Clichés and Mediocrity

Directed by Alexander Tsoy, known for projects like "Difficult Teens" and "Smychok," "Chewing Gum" doesn't quite reach the heights of his previous works in the youth drama genre.

1. Music and Visual Atmosphere

In true fashion of many domestic teen series, "Chewing Gum" overflows with neon parties, clip-like sequences, and mediocre music. These elements serve more as backdrops than contributors to narrative depth.

2. Dialogue and Script

Despite the involvement of nine screenwriters, their collaborative efforts failed to yield significant results. The dialogues often sound forced, and character actions lack logical coherence.

Critique: What Disappointed Viewers?

A significant number of viewers and critics expressed dissatisfaction with "Chewing Gum."

• Clichés Over Originality: The plot is filled with tropes — from neon extravaganzas to affluent teens indifferent to money matters.
• Lack of Realism: Actors portraying teenagers appear substantially older than their characters, raising questions about authenticity.
• Absence of a Clear Arc: The series attempts to cover too many topics, resulting in a narrative that lacks cohesion.

Comparative Analysis with Other Projects

Viewers have frequently drawn parallels between "Chewing Gum" and other series, such as "Euphoria" or "Sex Education." However, the level of drama, character development, and relevancy of issues explored in these works far exceeds what is presented here.

Culmination: Is It Worth Watching?

The series "Chewing Gum" serves as a quintessential example of an attempt to create something contemporary and jongeren-friendly, yet the outcome leaves much to be desired. Clichés, weak dialogues, and superficial thematic exploration prevent it from standing out among others in the genre.

For those seeking lighthearted teenage entertainment sprinkled with drama, "Chewing Gum" might seem appealing. However, for viewers who are accustomed to more profound narratives, exploring alternative projects would be advisable.