Chewing Gum: A New Take or Just Same Old Tropes?

The Russian series "Chewing Gum" (2024), which premiered on the Premier streaming platform, boldly asserts its ambition to redefine the landscape of teen cinema. The platform's executives have proclaimed that this project marks a pivotal moment for refreshing the lineup of youth-centric shows. Yet, viewer feedback and critical reviews reveal glaring issues, ranging from a predictable plot to dubious thematic exploration. So, let’s dissect what draws viewers in and what ultimately pushes them away.

Plot: Love, Stalking, and Tragedy

At the heart of the narrative is Galya Shalamova (portrayed by Daria Balabanova), a girl from a Moscow suburb orphanage, harboring dreams of entering VGIK to become a screenwriter. Her life is marred by drama at every turn: she finds herself trapped in an abusive relationship with Kirill (Anton Artemyev), grapples with her mother’s imminent release from prison (played by Yulia Volkova), and faces a complete lack of support and genuine connection.

Galya's life takes an unexpected twist when she stumbles upon a livestream by a popular blogger named Roma (Anton Rogachyov), who is better known online as Hans Shmyuze. Coming from a wealthy family, Roma seems to embody everything Galya has never known: freedom, light-heartedness, and a carefree existence. As she falls for Roma, her mind begins to spin elaborate fantasies about a blissful future.

However, their interaction, which starts with a romantic invitation, quickly spirals into an unhealthy, one-sided fixation. Galya spins tales about her life to impress him, while Roma treats their connection as a mere frivolous flirtation. His prank—faking his own death for laughs—becomes a catalyst for tragedy. Believing her beloved to be dead, Galya resolves to seek out and punish his supposed "killer."

Key Themes: Shallow or Relevant?

The series ventures into several themes that should resonate with today’s youth. Yet, the execution leaves much to be desired.

1. Love and Stalking

Galya swiftly morphs from a hopeful romantic into a troubled stalker. Her obsessive behavior comes off not as a declaration of love, but as a manifestation of her toxic dependency. Conversely, Roma's deceitful and manipulative actions highlight classic signs of toxicity.

2. Bullying and Toxic Environments

Abuse isn't confined to Galya's relationship with Kirill; it permeates her interactions with the world at large. The torment she faces at the orphanage, the lack of support, and the jeering from the privileged elite create a suffocating atmosphere.

3. Parents and Children

Roma’s seemingly affluent family is riddled with emotional distance. His mother is lost amidst her own struggles, his father is chronically absorbed in work, and his sick sister is left in the shadows. In stark contrast, Galya lacks any familial support—her mother has just been released from prison, and her father is a ghost in her life.

4. The Impact of Social Media

Roma, typical of modern influencers, showcases a fabricated lifestyle, obscuring his true burdens. His entourage plays along, maintaining the illusion even in the face of his staged death. This aspect, meant to underline social media’s influence on teens, receives only a superficial treatment within the series.

Characters: A Nod to Complexity?

The creators of the series aimed to present flawed, multifaceted characters. However, the outcome is decidedly mixed.

• Galya evokes sympathy and compassion, yet her fixation and questionable decisions often alienate viewers. She emerges more as a victim of circumstance than as a self-sufficient individual.
• Roma is the quintessential rich kid: wealthy, detached, and flippant. His actions, particularly the prank involving his "death," render him thoroughly unlikable.
• Kirill comes across as a cartoonish thug from the 90s, with his abusive demeanor evident from the very start.

Direction: Clichés and Mediocrity

Directed by Alexander Tsoi, who previously worked on projects like "Difficult Teenagers" and "Symphony," "Chewing Gum" struggles to reach the heights of his earlier endeavors.

1. Music and Visual Atmosphere

In keeping with the trend of domestic teen dramas, "Chewing Gum" is rife with neon parties, video montage cuts, and mediocre soundtracks. These elements serve more as a backdrop than they enrich the narrative.

2. Dialogue and Script

With nine writers on board, one would expect a more polished final product. Unfortunately, the dialogue feels forced, and characters often act in illogical ways, creating a dissonance within the story.

Criticism: Where Did the Series Fall Short?

Countless viewers and critics have expressed their dissatisfaction with "Chewing Gum".

• Clichés Over Originality: The plot is peppered with tropes—ranging from neon parties to wealthy teens indifferent to expenses.
• Lack of Realism: The actors portraying teenagers appear significantly older than their characters, raising questions about the series' authenticity.
• Absence of a Clear Narrative Arc: The series attempts to tackle too many issues, which detracts from the overall coherence of the storyline.

Comparative Analysis with Other Projects

Audiences frequently draw comparisons between "Chewing Gum" and other series, such as "Euphoria" or "Sex Education". However, the depth of drama, character development, and relevance of issues in those series far surpasses what is found in "Chewing Gum".

Epilogue: Is It Worth Watching?

"Chewing Gum" stands as a prime example of an endeavor to craft something timely and youthful, yet the execution leaves plenty to be desired. Clichés, weak dialogue, and shallow thematic exploration prevent this series from distinguishing itself in the crowded genre of teen dramas.

For those in search of a light teenage show with drama elements, "Chewing Gum" may seem appealing. However, viewers accustomed to more profound stories should certainly seek out alternative offerings.