A Critical Look at "Chewing Gum" and Its Storylines

My Impression of the Series "Chewing Gum": Chaos of Storylines and Adolescent Cruelty

From the very first frames of the series "Chewing Gum," it becomes evident that this is no ordinary teen drama. Instead, it attempts to cram a wealth of plot into a limited runtime. Yet, the result elicits mixed feelings. The themes addressed seem critical, but the execution lacks finesse.

Tangle of Plotlines and a Scarcity of Time

One of the standout features of Chewing Gum is its myriad of intertwining storylines that unfold simultaneously. The series covers virtually every angle of adolescent angst, featuring:

• A plethora of teenagers grappling with typical (and sometimes atypical) dilemmas;
• The criminal tendencies of the domineering character Kirill;
• The mother of the protagonist just recently released from prison;
• The wealthy yet emotionally wrecked family of Roma, where a terminally ill sister and an emotionally distant father contribute to an atmosphere thick with despair;
• Infidelity, bullying, and even stalking.

While such a multitude of events might potentially enrich the viewing experience, the series suffers from its constrained duration. This limitation results in a narrative that feels rushed, leaving characters underdeveloped and plot points inadequately explored.

The Main Characters: Challenging to Connect With

Many viewers have noted that instead of eliciting empathy, the characters tend to provoke irritation.

• Galya Shalamova — the central character, whose tumultuous life presents numerous struggles, fails to evoke clear sympathy from the audience. Her yearning for love and acceptance, while understandable, often appears overly desperate.
• Roma (Hans Schmyze) — a wealthy influencer who treats Galya as just another source of amusement, embodies the stereotypical, spoiled rich kid. Far from inspiring any feelings of compassion, he heightens the sense of emptiness surrounding him.
• Kirill — Galya’s authoritarian boyfriend with a penchant for illicit behavior adds to the pervasive atmosphere of tension and danger.

Even secondary characters, such as Roma's mother, who seems disconnected from reality, or his sister, who struggles with illness, fail to evoke a desire for sympathy. It feels as though the creators intentionally crafted all protagonists to be as repelling as possible.

Collective Cruelty: Games That Spiral Out of Control

One of the most vivid yet disturbing themes in Chewing Gum revolves around collective cruelty. Roma and his friends’ “game” with Galya, dubbed Chewing Gum, exemplifies a shocking disregard for the feelings of another.

Scenes where a clique of affluent youth mocks Galya starkly highlight the issues of bullying and moral irresponsibility. However, the series falters, neglecting to provide a profound exploration of this troubling subject, instead presenting it in a shallow manner.

Is There Hope for Character Development?

Despite its shortcomings, Chewing Gum exhibits potential. Galya's journey as she seeks to emerge from her difficult circumstances and navigate a world rife with deceit and manipulation could lay the groundwork for a more meaningful narrative.

One glimmer of hope lies in the subtle suggestion that Galya, after enduring a series of trials, may pen a script that transforms her life. This could evolve into a narrative about how art can serve as a healing balm for trauma, ultimately guiding one to find their place in the world.

So, Is Chewing Gum Worth Watching?

Chewing Gum is a project that raises numerous questions, often leaving viewers without clear answers. It might be perceived as an experiment within the realm of teen cinema, but labeling it a success at this stage feels premature.

Nonetheless, for audiences intrigued by dramas centered around intricate relationships, the series might capture their curiosity. Perhaps future episodes will delve deeper into its themes and characters. For now, the impression it leaves is mixed: the series piques interest while also frustrating viewers with its superficiality and an overwhelming abundance of storylines.

We can only hope that the creators eventually uncover the right course to depict how even the most challenging situations can provide pathways toward resolution.