Exploring the Teen Drama 'Chewing Gum': A Critical Review

An In-Depth Review of the Series "Chewing Gum": A Teen Drama That's Hard to Grasp and Love

On October 16, the new Russian series titled "Chewing Gum" premiered on the Premier platform. This eight-part teenage drama, helmed by director Alexander Tsoi, plunges viewers into a world filled with youthful dilemmas, betrayed emotions, and complicated interpersonal relationships.

Essential Project Information

• Genre: Drama, Youth Film
• Director: Alexander Tsoi
• Number of Episodes: 8
• Duration of Each Episode: 45-50 minutes
• Production: Russia
• Age Rating: 18+

"Chewing Gum" revolves around the lives of teenagers brimming with dreams, conflicts, and impulsive actions often leading to unpredictable consequences.

Plot Overview

The story follows Galya Shalamova, a young girl from an orphanage who aspires to enroll in the screenplay faculty at VGIK. Her yearning for freedom from the drudgery of institutional life reaches a boiling point after she watches an outrageous stream by eccentric blogger Hans Schmüse, who thrives on controversy to gain popularity. Galya becomes convinced that she and Hans are kindred spirits.

An unexpected encounter sparks a romance between the pair. However, while Galya views this as her first love, to Hans, it’s merely a fleeting fling. Disillusioned by Galya, Hans devises a bizarre way to end their relationship: he instructs his friends to inform her that he has been murdered.

Rather than accepting this cruel twist, Galya embarks on her own "investigation" into Hans’s supposed death, driven by a desire to uncover the truth and seek retribution against those she believes are responsible.

Character Profiles

Galya Shalamova (portrayed by Daria Balabanova)
A naïve orphan, Galya has her worldview shaped by harsh circumstances. Her dreams of becoming a screenwriter are overshadowed by the remnants of her past, including a mother who has recently been released from prison and a violent boyfriend from whom she struggles to break free.

Hans Schmüse (played by Anton Rogachev)
With a modest following of 5,000, Hans is a blogger willing to engage in absurd antics for likes and attention. He epitomizes the spoiled youth, with a producer father who provides little guidance, leaving him to navigate life largely on his own, all while his younger sister battles a serious illness.

Kirill (Anton Artemyev)
Galya's aggressive and unstable boyfriend. He resorts to violence to solve his problems and earns his living through criminal endeavors, nurturing an ambition for wealth abroad.

Misha Yelchev (Pavel Maslakov)
Hans’s friend, Misha stands out for his more humane approach towards Galya, adding a layer of complexity to the character dynamic.

Vera (Mariya Furina)
Another of Hans’s friends, Vera harbors feelings for him but realizes that expecting something serious from him would be futile.

Impressions of the Series

Story and Genre

The narrative of "Chewing Gum" serves as an amalgamation of teen drama infused with ironic commentary on contemporary society. Themes of first love, cruelty, misunderstanding, and irrational choices permeate the series. Its characters often come across as immature and illogical, mirroring the tumult of adolescence.

The pacing can be sluggish, leading the audience to lose interest. While the first episode kicks off with vitality, the momentum tends to dwindle as the story unfolds.

Characters and Atmosphere

A significant shortcoming of the series is its character development. None of the characters evoke genuine sympathy from the audience. Galya presents as overly naïve, while Hans portrays a cynical demeanor. The supporting cast often appears either caricatured or underdeveloped.

Acting Performance

Despite the lackluster script, the actors strive to deliver commendable performances. Daria Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, known for their work in other projects, manage to hold the audience’s attention with their portrayals.

Visual Elements

Visually, the series shines, showcasing a vivid cinematographic style that enhances the scene's atmosphere. Locations are diverse, ranging from shopping malls and apartments to streets and deserted buildings, offering a rich backdrop to the storyline.

Culmination

"Chewing Gum" aims to capture the adolescent demographic, yet it may not resonate with older viewers. The simplistic plot, unlikable characters, and contentious dramatic techniques render this series rather polarizing. If you appreciate light dramas centered around uncomplicated conflicts, you might find something to enjoy here. However, for those seeking profound and engaging narratives, "Chewing Gum" may be a letdown.

Would I recommend this series? Probably not. With a multitude of drawbacks, it’s hard to justify the time spent on it.