Deep Dive into the Challenging Teen Drama "Gum"

On October 16, the Premier platform launched a brand-new Russian series titled "Gum". This eight-part teenage drama, directed by Alexander Tsoi, invites viewers to dive into the tumultuous world of adolescent dilemmas, disillusioned emotions, and intricate relationships.

Key Information About the Project

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

"Gum" chronicles the lives of teenagers filled with dreams, conflicts, and reckless actions that often lead to unforeseen consequences.

Plot Overview

At the heart of the story is Galya Shalamova, a girl raised in an orphanage, yearning to enroll in the scriptwriting department at VGIK. Galya is trapped in the monotonous cycle of her orphaned life, eagerly anticipating a day when she can break free from its confines. Her world takes a dramatic turn after she watches a livestream by the eccentric blogger Hans Shmyuze, who makes outrageous statements to gain fame. Galya feels an inexplicable connection, convinced they are kindred spirits.

As fate would have it, a spontaneous encounter between the two leads to a budding romance. However, what blossoms as Galya's first love is nothing more than a fleeting affair for Hans. Growing disillusioned with Galya, Hans decides to end their relationship in an absurd twist: he asks his friends to inform Galya that he has been killed.

Rather than resigning to despair, Galya embarks on her own investigation into Hans's alleged death, determined to uncover the truth and seek justice for what she perceives as a betrayal.

Characters

Galya Shalamova (portrayed by Darya Balabanova)
A naive orphan whose outlook on life has been shaped by harsh circumstances. She aspires to become a screenwriter but is haunted by her past: a mother who has recently been released from prison and an aggressive boyfriend she struggles to escape.

Hans Shmyuze (played by Anton Rogachev)
A blogger with a modest following of 5,000 subscribers, willing to resort to the most ludicrous antics for likes and attention. Hans epitomizes the stereotypical wealthy youth: his father is a producer, and his busy parents neglect him while his younger sister suffers from serious illness.

Kirill (Anton Artemyev)
Galya's rough and unpredictable boyfriend, whose approach to problem-solving is steeped in violence. He resorts to criminal activities for income, with dreams of a lavish life abroad.

Misha Yelchev (Pavel Maslakov)
Hans's friend who stands out in the group for his more humane demeanor towards Galya.

Vera (Marusya Furina)
Another one of Hans's friends, who harbors feelings for him but recognizes the lack of potential for a serious relationship.

Impressions of the Series

Plot and Genre

The narrative of "Gum" intermingles teenage drama with an ironic commentary on modern society. The series addresses themes of first love, cruelty, misunderstanding, and senseless decisions. The characters often appear immature and illogical, reflecting their youth and inexperience.

While the first episode boasts a brisk pace, the momentum diminishes as the series progresses, leading to an uneven narrative that might lose viewers' engagement.

Characters and Atmosphere

One of the primary shortcomings of the series lies within its character development. None of the protagonists elicit genuine empathy from the audience. Galya comes across as excessively naive, while Hans appears cynical. The supporting cast is either exaggerated caricatures or relegated to background roles, lacking depth.

Acting Performance

Despite a script that doesn't quite hit the mark, the cast delivers commendable performances. Darya Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, who take on the leading roles, are noteworthy talents recognized for their work in other projects, and their portrayals are appreciable.

Visual Presentation

"Gum" shines visually, with cinematography that effectively captures the mood and setting of each scene. The locations vary widely, from shopping malls and apartments to urban streets and derelict buildings, contributing to a dynamic visual experience.

Culmination

Would I recommend this series? Probably not. The drawbacks are numerous enough to dissuade anyone from investing their time in it.