Exploring the Complex World of 'Bubblegum': A Teen Drama
The Review of the Series "Bubblegum": A Teen Drama That's Hard to Grasp and Appreciate
On October 16, the streaming platform Premier unveiled a fresh Russian series titled "Bubblegum". This eight-part teen drama helmed by director Alexander Tsoy beckons viewers into the tumultuous world rife with youthful dilemmas, misplaced affections, and intricate relationships.
Essential Project Information
- Genre: Drama, Youth Film
- Director: Alexander Tsoy
- Episode Count: 8
- Duration of Each Episode: 45-50 minutes
- Production Country: Russia
- Age Rating: 18+
"Bubblegum" tells a poignant tale about teenagers overflowing with dreams, conflict, and reckless actions, often leading them to unpredictable outcomes.
Plot Overview
The story revolves around Galia Shalamova, a girl raised in an orphanage, who passionately aspires to join the screenplay department at VGIK (the All-Russian State University of Cinematography). Dreaming of breaking free from the drudgery of her orphanage, Galia’s life takes a dramatic turn after she watches a stream featuring the eccentric blogger Hans Schmüze, who makes outrageous claims in pursuit of fame. Convinced that they share a deep connection, Galia becomes obsessed with him.
An unexpected encounter between the two spins into a romance. However, where Galia experiences her first taste of love, Hans sees it merely as a fleeting fling. Disillusioned and seeking a way out, he devises a ludicrous strategy to break up with her: he asks his friends to inform Galia that he has been murdered.
Instead of yielding to despair, Galia ignites her own "investigation" into Hans's supposed death, determined to uncover the truth and mete out justice against those she believes are culpable.
Character Analysis
Galia Shalamova (played by Darya Balabanova)
An orphan with a naive disposition, Galia’s inner world is heavily shaped by her challenging circumstances. Aspiring to be a screenwriter, she is haunted by her past: her mother, who has just been released from prison, and an aggressive boyfriend from whom escape proves difficult.
Hans Schmüze (portrayed by Anton Rogachev)
A blogger with 5,000 followers, Hans is willing to engage in the most absurd antics for a bit of attention and likes. He embodies the quintessential "golden youth": the son of a producer, he enjoys little parental oversight, while his younger sister battles a severe illness.
Kirill (played by Anton Artemyev)
Galia's rough and irrational boyfriend, Kirill relies on violence as his solution to problems. He leads a life of crime, dreaming of a luxurious existence abroad.
Misha Yelchev (embodied by Pavel Maslakov)
Hans's friend, Misha contrasts his cohort with a more compassionate view toward Galia.
Vera (played by Marusya Furina)
Another of Hans's friends, Vera harbors feelings for him but can tell that expecting a serious relationship is futile.
Impressions of the Series
Narrative and Genre
The plot of "Bubblegum" interweaves teenage drama with an ironic examination of modern society. The series broaches topics such as first love, brutality, misunderstanding, and nonsensical decisions. The characters come across as immature and often illogical, a reflection of their youth and inexperience.
The pacing of the narrative can be slow at times, failing to captivate viewers. While the first episode briskly sets the tone, the dynamics tend to dwindle as the series progresses.
Characters and Atmosphere
A significant drawback of the series lies in its characters, none of whom are particularly endearing to the audience. Galia’s naivety can feel overly simplistic, while Hans radiates cynicism. The supporting characters either appear caricatured or fade into the background.
Acting Performance
Despite a lackluster script, the actors strive to deliver commendable performances. Darya Balabanova and Anton Rogachev, who take on the central roles, are known for their other projects and their performances are generally satisfactory.
Visual Aesthetics
The series does well visually, thanks to commendable cinematography that effectively captures the essence of its scenes. The locations vary widely, from shopping malls and apartments to streets and derelict buildings, enriching the visual storytelling.
The End
"Bubblegum" is a project that will likely engage a teenage audience but may not resonate with adult viewers. Its simplistic plot, unlikable characters, and questionable dramatic techniques render it ambiguous. If you are fond of light dramas peppered with straightforward conflicts, you might find it appealing. However, for those in search of profound and engaging narratives, "Bubblegum" is unlikely to be a revelation.
Would I recommend the series?
Not really. The considerable shortcomings make it a challenge to advocate for spending valuable time on it.