Is 'Chewing Gum' a Game-Changer in Teen Series?

The Russian show "Chewing Gum" (2024), which premiered on the Premier platform, is aimed at redefining the realm of teenage cinema. The leadership of this online movie service has touted the series as a pivotal entry into the modern landscape of youth-oriented programming. However, audience reactions and critical feedback reveal some glaring issues, ranging from a clichéd plotline to a questionable approach to thematic exploration. Let’s delve into what makes this series both attractive and off-putting for viewers.

Plot: Romance, Stalking, and Tragedies

At the heart of the narrative is Galya Shalamova (portrayed by Darya Balabanova), a girl from a suburban orphanage with dreams of enrolling in VGIK, aiming to become a screenwriter. Her life is riddled with turmoil: an abusive relationship with her boyfriend Kirill (played by Anton Artemyev), the impending release of her mother (Yulia Volkova) from prison, and an overall lack of emotional support and genuine connections.

Galya stumbles upon a live stream from popular blogger Roma (Anton Rogachyov), known online as Hans Shmyuze. Hailing from a wealthy family, Roma seems to embody everything Galya longs for: freedom, lightness, and carefree existence. As she falls for him, naive fantasies of a blissful future start to take shape in her mind.

What begins as a romantic date spirals into a one-sided dependency. Galya fabricates stories about her life to impress Roma, who regards their relationship as mere playful flirtation. His own actions—a staged death for a prank—serve as the catalyst for tragedy. Believing her beloved has perished, Galya embarks on a quest to find and confront his supposed "murderer."

Key Themes: Surface Level or Relevant?

The series attempts to tackle several themes which are ostensibly relevant to today’s youth. Yet, its treatment raises numerous questions.

1. Love and Stalking

Galya swiftly transitions from an innocent dreamer to a dangerously obsessed stalker. Her obsession appears less like a manifestation of love and more like a crippling dependence. Concurrently, Roma's deceit and manipulation portray a quintessentially toxic dynamic.

2. Bullying and Toxic Environments

Abuse permeates not just in Galya's relationship with Kirill but also in her broader interactions with the world around her. The mockery she endures at the orphanage, the absence of a support system, and jibes from privileged peers encapsulate an oppressive atmosphere.

3. Parental Dynamics

Roma's affluent family, ironically, is marked by emotional estrangement. His mother is lost in her issues, the father is consumed by work, and his sick sister remains overshadowed. Conversely, Galya finds herself devoid of parental support: her mother has just been released from prison, while her father is notably absent from the narrative altogether.

4. The Impact of Social Media

Roma epitomizes the archetypal influencer, showcasing a fabricated version of his life and concealing his actual struggles. His peers play along with the facade, joining in on the elaborate prank of faux demise. While this aspect seems poised to comment on social media’s implications for teens, the series merely grazes the surface without profound exploration.

Characters: An Attempt at Nuance

The creators of the series asserted that their goal was to present complex, flawed characters. However, the execution produces mixed results.

• Galya elicits both sympathy and pity, yet her obsession and actions often repel. She comes across as a victim of circumstance rather than an autonomous individual.
• Roma is painted as the stereotypical rich kid: detached, self-indulgent, and frivolous. His actions, especially the prank involving his own "death," render him utterly unsympathetic.
• Kirill emerges as a caricatured thug, reminiscent of 90s villain tropes, with his abusive nature glaringly evident from the outset.

Direction: Clichés and Mediocrity

Directed by Alexander Tsoi, known for working on youth dramas like "Difficult Teens" and "Smychok," "Chewing Gum" fails to match the caliber of his previous works.

1. Soundtrack and Visual Atmosphere

In line with many domestic teen series, "Chewing Gum" is rife with neon-lit parties, rapid video editing, and subpar music. These elements serve more as a backdrop rather than infusing depth into the storytelling.

2. Dialogue and Script

Despite the involvement of nine screenwriters, their collaborative efforts didn’t yield notable results. The dialogue feels strained, and characters often behave in ways that lack logic.

Criticism: Where Did the Series Fall Short?

Many viewers and critics expressed dissatisfaction with "Chewing Gum."

• Clichés Over Creativity: The narrative is littered with clichés—from neon parties to affluent teens oblivious to monetary concerns.
• Lack of Authenticity: The actors portraying teenagers appear significantly older than their roles, raising questions about the show’s credibility.
• Unfocused Themes: The series attempts to tackle too many topics, leading to a disjointed plot.

Comparison with Other Projects

Audiences frequently compare "Chewing Gum" to other series like "Euphoria" or "Sex Education." However, the level of drama, character development, and thematic relevance in these acclaimed projects far surpasses that of this recent entrant.

Closure: Is It Worth Watching?

"Chewing Gum" represents a quintessential attempt to craft something pertinent and youthful, but the output leaves much to be desired. Clichéd moments, weak dialogue, and superficial thematic treatment undermine the series’ ability to stand out among others in the genre.

For those seeking a light teen show with dramatic elements, "Chewing Gum" might pique some interest. However, for viewers accustomed to deeper narratives, it’s wise to explore alternatives.