Exploring the Complexities of the Series 'Gum'
On October 16, the streaming service Premier unveiled its latest offering, a thought-provoking Russian series entitled "Gum". This eight-episode teenage drama, directed by Alexander Tsoy, invites viewers to traverse the turbulent waters of adolescence marked by confusion, repressed emotions, and convoluted relationships.
Project Overview
- Genre: Drama, Youth Cinema
- Director: Alexander Tsoy
- Number of Episodes: 8
- Episode Duration: 45-50 minutes
- Production Country: Russia
- Age Rating: 18+
"Gum" paints a vivid picture of the lives of teenagers swirling with aspirations, clashes, and reckless actions that often plummet them into unforeseen consequences.
Plot Breakdown
The narrative centers on Galya Shalamova, a bright young girl hailing from an orphanage, with dreams of enrolling in the screenwriting program at VGIK. Galya yearns for liberation from the dreary confines of her foster home. Her world does a somersault when she stumbles upon a livestream by the outlandish blogger Hans Shmyuze, who thrives on provocative statements for the sake of fame. Convinced they are soulmates, Galya finds herself entranced by him.
An unexpected encounter unfolds into a romance, but what sparks joy for Galya naively turns into a fleeting affair for Hans. Disillusioned, he opts to cut ties in a ludicrous manner - he instructs his friends to tell Galya that he has been murdered.
Instead of succumbing to despair, Galya embarks on her own investigation into the supposed death of Hans, determined to unveil the truth and hold the so-called culprits accountable.
Meet the Characters
Galya Shalamova (played by Darya Balabanova)
An innocent orphan grappling with a tumultuous life forged by adversity, Galya harbors dreams of becoming a screenwriter, yet her past looms heavily over her. With a recently released mother and a dangerously aggressive boyfriend, she navigates a world filled with shadows.
Hans Shmyuze (portrayed by Anton Rogachev)
This influencer, boasting 5000 followers, would resort to ridiculous antics for likes and attention. Hans epitomizes the privileged youth culture: his father is a producer, his parents neglect his emotional needs, and his younger sister battles a severe illness.
Kirill (interpreted by Anton Artemyev)
The brash and unpredictable boyfriend of Galya, whose approach to problems is rooted in aggression and violence. Spiraling into a life of crime, he dreams of escaping to wealth and luxury abroad.
Misha Yelchev (enacted by Pavel Maslakov)
Hans’s friend who, unlike the rest of the crew, exhibits a more humane attitude toward Galya.
Vera (played by Marusya Furina)
Another friend of Hans harboring secret feelings for him, yet acutely aware that serious commitment is fleeting.
Impressions of the Series
Narrative and Themes
The series serves as a blend of a teenage drama with a satirical lens aimed at contemporary society. It dissects themes surrounding first love, cruelty, misunderstanding, and the absurdity of decisions made by youth. The characters often come off as immature and illogical, underscoring their youth and inexperience.
While the inaugural episode boasts a spirited pace, subsequent episodes see the momentum lag, leaving viewers unengaged at times.
Characters and Atmosphere
A significant drawback of the series lies within its character development. None of the protagonists inspire affection or sympathy from the audience. Galya embodies an overwhelming naivety, while Hans exudes cynicism. The supporting cast often veers into caricature territory or fades into the background.
Acting Performance
Despite a lackluster script, the actors commit to delivering commendable performances. Both Darya Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, known from other endeavors, provide performances that are rather satisfactory given the material.
Visual Aesthetic
Visually, the series captivates with its imagery. The cinematography enhances the ambiance of various scenes, traversing a range of settings, from shopping malls and apartment interiors to urban streets and derelict buildings.
Epilogue
"Gum" stands as a series likely to capture the attention of a teenage audience, though it may not resonate deeply with adult viewers. With a simplistic storyline, unpleasant characters, and questionable dramatic techniques, this show presents a mixed bag of experiences. If you find yourself drawn to lighthearted dramas featuring uncomplicated conflicts, it may be worth a viewing. However, for those craving intricate and immersive narratives, "Gum" is unlikely to deliver a breakthrough.
Would I recommend this series? Regrettably, the answer leans towards no. There are too many flaws warranting a reconsideration of your time investment.