Exploring Chewing Gum: A Review of the New Russian Series

On October 16, the streaming platform Premier launched a new Russian series titled Chewing Gum. This eight-episode teen drama, directed by Alexander Tsoi, invites viewers to delve into the turbulent world of adolescence, rife with dashed hopes, emotional turmoil, and intricate relationships.

Project Overview

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

Chewing Gum captures the essence of youth — filled with dreams, conflicts, and reckless decisions that often lead to unpredictable consequences.

Plot Summary

The central character is Galya Shalamova, an orphan who aspires to enroll in the screenplay faculty of VGIK. Galya eagerly anticipates her escape from the monotonous life within the orphanage's walls. Her world takes an unexpected turn when she comes across a livestream of the eccentric blogger Hans Shmyuze, known for his outrageous statements aimed at gaining popularity. Galya becomes convinced they share a deep connection.

An accidental meeting triggers a fleeting romance between the two. However, what is experienced as Galya's first love is merely a passing fling for Hans, who quickly grows disillusioned and decides to end their relationship through an absurd act: he enlists his friends to inform Galya that he has been killed.

Rather than accepting the end, Galya embarks on her own “investigation” into Hans’s death, determined to uncover the truth and punish those she believes responsible.

Characters

Galya Shalamova (played by Darya Balabanova)
An orphan with a naïve outlook, shaped by her difficult life conditions. Galya dreams of being a screenwriter but is haunted by her past, including a mother recently released from prison and an aggressive boyfriend who is hard to escape from.

Hans Shmyuze (played by Anton Rogachev)
A blogger with 5,000 followers, willing to engage in ridiculous stunts for likes and attention. Hans embodies the typical 'golden youth' archetype, his father works as a producer, leaving little room for parental involvement, while his younger sister suffers from a serious illness.

Kirill (played by Anton Artemyev)
Galya's rough and unpredictable boyfriend. Kirill's approach to problem-solving is rooted in violence, and he makes ends meet through illegal means while dreaming of a more prosperous life abroad.

Misha Yelchev (played by Pavel Maslakov)
Hans's friend who stands out from the rest of the group due to his more compassionate attitude toward Galya.

Vera (played by Marusya Furina)
Another friend of Hans who harbors feelings for him but acknowledges that serious commitment is not on the horizon.

Impressions of the Series

Plot and Genre

The narrative intertwines teen drama with a satirical commentary on contemporary society. The series explores themes of first love, cruelty, misunderstanding, and purposeless decisions. The characters often come across as childish and illogical, a reflection of their immaturity and inexperience.

The pacing of the series is uneven; while the first episode maintains a brisk tempo, subsequent episodes tend to lag, losing the viewer’s engagement.

Characters and Atmosphere

One of the show’s major shortcomings is its character development. None of the characters evoke a sense of empathy from the audience. Galya’s innocence borders on frustrating, and Hans’s cynicism does little to endear him. Supporting characters often appear caricatured or sidelined.

Acting Performance

Despite the mediocre script, the actors strive to deliver commendable performances. Darya Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, who take on lead roles, are recognized from their work in other productions, providing a satisfactory portrayal.

Visual Elements

The series impresses with its visual presentation. The cinematography captures atmospheric elements effectively, showcasing a variety of settings, from shopping malls and apartments to streets and abandoned buildings.

Ending

Chewing Gum stands as a project likely to resonate with teenage viewers, yet it may fail to capture the interest of adult audiences. Its simplistic plot, unlikable characters, and questionable dramatic techniques render this series polarizing. If you have an affinity for light dramas marked by straightforward conflicts, you might find some enjoyment here. Conversely, for those searching for profound and engaging narratives, Chewing Gum will not provide the revelation you seek.

Would I recommend this series? Probably not. There are simply too many drawbacks to justify investing your time.