Gum (2024): A Series Review of Missed Opportunities
The series Gum (2024) serves as a glaring demonstration of how the film industry tries to hook viewers by leaning on worn-out tropes without offering fresh ideas or quality execution. This project exemplifies a trend in modern Russian television series that evokes confusion due to both its content and the format of presentation.
Plot: A Predictable Disappointment
The title Gum is almost self-explanatory; the series embarks on a journey to depict a teenage drama interspersed with social satire, yet quickly morphs into an absurd farce. From the first frames, viewers are confronted with a glaring issue: the evident age discrepancy between the actors and their characters. The supposed high school seniors appear and act like individuals in their mid-20s to early 30s. Their mannerisms, speech patterns, and overall conduct bear little resemblance to those expected of teenagers, consequently shattering any chance for the series to be regarded as realistic.
Acting: Cringe Over Talent
The selection of actors is a saga unto itself. While a couple of performers do their jobs adequately, their efforts fall flat in saving the ensemble. Most cast members seem to engage aimlessly on stage, reveling in their mere participation rather than immersing themselves in their roles. The prevailing sentiment is that casting choices were made not based on talent, but rather personal connections or the director's whimsical charm assessments.
It’s particularly distressing to observe that the performers make no effort to embody youthful characters. Instead, they employ a fictional and contrived language that sounds so unnatural it ignites bemusement. In their attempt to replicate contemporary youth slang, the screenwriters clearly overstepped, resulting in dialogues that are artificial and occasionally ludicrous.
Direction and Writing: A Failure Across the Board
Unlike past Russian series that occasionally delivered intriguing plots or creative direction, Gum offers little to no semblance of hope. The lack of logical underpinning in the script coupled with uninspired direction is blatantly evident in every episode. The outcome is a series that feels devoid of originality and flair.
Why Did Gum Fall Flat?
- Unprofessional Casting Decisions:
Casting adult actors to portray teenagers aged 17-18 is a recipe for disaster. - Artificial Dialogue:
In their pursuit of relevance, the writers concocted a ‘Newspeak’ that rings hollow. - Absence of Innovation:
The storyline fails to introduce anything novel, captivating, or original. - Shoddy Directing:
Instead of intricate scenes, viewers are treated to unwarranted emotional outbursts and clichéd conflicts.
Who Is This Series For?
Honestly, it’s challenging to envision which audience might appreciate this endeavor. It’s unlikely that youth will resonate with these misrepresented characters, and the older generation will probably refrain from investing time in a shallow and meaningless spectacle.
Overall Impression: A Void of Entertainment
Expectations surrounding Gum remain unmet on every possible front. The series comes across as a disjointed montage of clichés and absurdities that evoke neither laughter nor tears. Even when placed alongside other contemporary Russian series, it falls short of the mark.
Viewer feedback seems to corroborate this sentiment; comments frequently echo words like "cringe," "farce," and "lack of talent." Such reactions are justifiable, revealing the project’s shortcomings across all facets—from acting to storytelling.
Ending: What’s the Verdict?
Gum is yet another example of modern Russian cinema scraping the bottom of the barrel. If you find yourself with extra time on your hands, it would be far more worthwhile to dedicate it to quality content. The takeaway is clear: watching this series might mean squandering eight hours of your life.