Exploring the Complexities of the Series 'Gum'

On October 16, the Russian streaming platform Premier launched a new series titled Gum. This eight-part teenage drama, helmed by director Alexander Tsoy, invites viewers to immerse themselves in the intricate world of youthful dilemmas, misguided affections, and complex relationships.

Key Details About the Project

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

Gum recounts the trials and tribulations of teenagers filled with dreams, conflicts, and rash decisions, often culminating in unforeseen consequences.

Plot Overview

The protagonist, Galya Shalamova, is a young girl raised in an orphanage, harboring aspirations to enroll in the screenplay department at VGIK. Galya yearns for the freedom that lies beyond the oppressive walls of her orphanage. A pivotal moment in her life occurs when she watches a live stream of the eccentric blogger Hans Schmueze, who makes provocative statements to attract attention. Convinced that they share a profound connection, Galya believes she and Hans are soulmates.

Soon, an unexpected romance blossoms between them. However, what is Galya's first experience of love turns out to be merely a fleeting affair for Hans. Disillusioned, he decides to break up with her in an outrageous manner, asking friends to tell Galya that he has been killed.

Instead of simply accepting this blow, Galya embarks on her own "investigation" into Hans's supposed demise, determined to uncover the truth and hold the "culprits" accountable.

Character Profiles

Galya Shalamova (portrayed by Darya Balabanova)
An orphan caught in a web of harsh realities, Galya's naive aspirations are overshadowed by her troubled past, including a mother recently released from prison and a violent boyfriend from whom she finds it hard to escape. She longs to be a screenwriter but battles her demons every step of the way.

Hans Schmueze (played by Anton Rogachev)
A blogger with 5,000 subscribers, Hans is willing to go to absurd lengths for likes and attention. Emblematic of the "golden youth," he is a privileged child of a producer, yet his parents' lack of attention and the serious illness of his younger sister weigh heavily on him.

Kirill (Anton Artemyev)
Galya's brutish and erratic boyfriend, Kirill's method of resolving issues typically resorts to violence. He engages in criminal activities to make a living, all the while dreaming of a luxurious future abroad.

Misha Yelchev (Pavel Maslakov)
Hans's friend who differentiates himself from the group through a more humane approach to Galya.

Vera (Marusya Furina)
Another of Hans’s friends, harboring romantic feelings for him yet aware that expecting any serious relationship is futile.

Impressions of the Series

Storyline and Genre

The narrative unfolds as both a teenage drama and a satirical commentary on contemporary society. It delves into themes of first love, cruelty, misunderstanding, and thoughtless choices. The characters often come across as immature and illogical, which underscoring their age and lack of experience.

The story's pacing is slow and at points, fails to engage the audience. While the pilot episode boasts an energetic tempo, subsequent episodes tend to lose that momentum.

Characters and Atmosphere

One of the significant shortcomings of Gum lies in its characters. No one truly captures the audience's favor; Galya seems excessively naive, while Hans embodies a cynical nature. The supporting cast is often portrayed either as caricatures or as unremarkable figures.

Acting Quality

Despite the lackluster script, the performances of the actors hold some merit. Darya Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, known for previous roles, deliver reasonably satisfying portrayals, although they grapple with the material given to them.

Visual Components

The series impresses with its visual aesthetics. The cinematography effectively captures the atmosphere of each scene. It transitions through various settings, from shopping malls and apartments to streets and abandoned buildings, enriching the viewing experience.

The End

Gum emerges as a project likely to engage a teenage audience, yet it may hold little allure for older viewers. The simplistic storyline, unlikable characters, and questionable dramatic techniques create a divisive reception. If you're inclined towards light dramas with uncomplicated conflicts, this might resonate with you. However, for those seeking profound and compelling narratives, Gum may not offer the revelation you desire.

Would I recommend this series? In all honesty, probably not. The numerous drawbacks make it difficult to justify spending your time on it.