The Series 'Gum' (2024): A Disappointing Cringe-Fest

The series "Gum" (2024) stands as a glaring example of how the film industry attempts to capture viewers’ attention by relying on clichéd tropes and recycled concepts, while failing to present any fresh ideas or quality production. This project, much like several contemporary Russian series, leaves audiences bewildered not only due to its content but also because of its delivery format.

Plot: A Disappointing Expectation

The title "Gum" speaks volumes on its own. What could have been an exploration of teenage drama intertwined with elements of social satire has sadly descended into a bizarre farce. From the very first frames, viewers encounter a glaring issue: a mismatch between the actors’ ages and the roles they portray. The primary characters — supposedly high school graduates — appear and behave more like individuals aged 25 to 30. Their mannerisms, dialogues, and overall demeanor starkly deviate from what one would expect from teenagers, thereby shattering any semblance of realism.

Acting: Cringe Over Talent

The casting of actors deserves a commentary of its own. While there are a couple of performers who manage to deliver their lines reasonably well, their efforts do little to salvage the collective performance. Most actors seem to meander across the screen, indulging in the sheer fact of being part of the project rather than immersing themselves in their characters. The overall impression is that the casting decisions were made not based on talent, but on personal connections or charisma perceived by the director.

It’s particularly disconcerting to observe that the actors make no genuine attempt to embody teenagers. They communicate in a contrived, artificial vernacular that comes off as forced and utterly perplexing. Striving to mimic youthful slang, the writers have seemingly overreached, resulting in dialogues that sound not only unnatural but at times downright ludicrous.

Direction and Script: A Fail Across the Board

In contrast to previous Russian series that occasionally delighted viewers with intriguing plots or creative directing, this project offers none of that. The lack of logic in the storyline and the feeble direction are evident in every episode. Consequently, the series appears uninspired and derivative, failing to resonate with the audience.

Why Did "Gum" Fail?

1. Unprofessional Casting Approach
   Portraying teenagers with visibly aged actors above 25 is a clear misstep.
2. Artificial Dialogues
   In a desperate bid for relevance, the writers crafted a form of "Newspeak" that rings false.
3. Lack of Original Ideas
   The plot fails to offer anything new, engaging, or innovative.
4. Sloppy Direction
   Instead of well-developed scenes, viewers are subjected to unfounded emotional outbursts and stereotypical conflicts.

Who Is This Series For?

Honestly, it’s difficult to envision any audience that might appreciate this project. It’s highly unlikely that the youth will find themselves mirrored in these characters, while the older generation will certainly hesitate to invest time in such a shallow and meaningless spectacle.

Overall Impression: A Waste of Time

Expectations for "Gum" fell short at every conceivable level. The series unfolds as a collection of worn-out clichés and absurdities, evoking neither laughter nor tears. Even against the backdrop of other modern Russian series, it appears notably weak.

Viewer feedback seems to echo this sentiment, with comments frequently using terms like "cringe," "farce," and "lack of talent." This response is justified, as the project disappoints across the board — from acting performances to the storyline.

What’s the Ending?

"Gum" serves as yet another illustration of how contemporary Russian cinema continues to sink ever deeper. If you find yourself with some free time, you’d be far better off dedicating it to content of a higher quality. The takeaway is clear: watching this series amounts to squandering eight hours of your life.