An In-Depth Look at the Series 'Chewing Gum'

My Impression of the Series "Chewing Gum": Chaos of Storylines and Teen Brutality

From the very first frames of the series "Chewing Gum," it quickly becomes apparent that it is not merely another adolescent drama. Rather, it strives to compress a wealth of intricate narratives into a limited timeframe. However, the end result evokes a blend of feelings, as while the themes tackled are undoubtedly significant, their execution often leaves much to be desired.

A Tangle of Storylines and the Challenge of Time

One of the defining features of "Chewing Gum" is its multitude of storylines that unfold simultaneously. This narrative web includes almost everything one might expect from a coming-of-age series:

• Teens grappling with their typical (and not-so-typical) dilemmas.
• The criminal tendencies of the tyrannical character, Kirill.
• The mother of the leading lady, freshly released from prison, who adds layers of complexity to the narrative.
• The affluent yet emotionally hollow family of Roma, complete with a sister suffering from cancer and a distant father, enhancing the pervasive atmosphere of despair.
• Themes of infidelity, bullying, and even stalking.

This abundance of events could have been an asset, had the series been afforded enough airtime to explore them in depth. Sadly, the limited duration ultimately renders the plot feeling rushed and the characters underdeveloped.

The Main Characters: Hard to Generate Empathy

As many viewers have noted, the characters in this series often provoke more irritation than sympathy.

• Galya Shalamova — the protagonist, whose life is fraught with challenges, fails to elicit straightforward empathy from the audience. Her relentless pursuit of love and validation, while understandable, often comes off as overly intrusive.
• Roma (Hans Shmuze) — a wealthy influencer who makes Galya the target of his derision, embodies the archetype of a spoiled rich kid. Rather than invoking even a sliver of sympathy, he amplifies the sense of emptiness within his social circle.
• Kirill — Galya's domineering boyfriend, with his criminal leanings, intensifies the overall sense of tension and danger.

Even the secondary characters, such as Roma's mother, who is struggling with reality, and his sister, who is battling illness, fail to inspire a desire for empathy. It appears that the creators intentionally crafted these characters to be as off-putting as possible.

Collective Brutality: Games Spiraling Out of Control

One of the most striking yet disconcerting themes within the series is the notion of collective brutality. The so-called "game" played by Roma and his friends involving Galya, whom they mockingly dub "Chewing Gum," starkly showcases a blatant disregard for another person's feelings.

Scenes depicting the group of wealthy kids ridiculing Galya sharply highlight the issues of bullying and moral irresponsibility. However, the series falls short by failing to provide a profound analysis of this theme, instead opting to present a mere superficial glance at it.

Is There Hope for Plot Development?

Despite its myriad shortcomings, "Chewing Gum" holds a glimmer of potential. Galya's story—her struggle to escape treacherous circumstances and her quest to identify herself in a deceitful and manipulative world—could lay the groundwork for a more meaningful narrative.

One flicker of hope lies in the suggestion that Galya, after enduring a series of trials, may write a script that alters her fate. This could evolve into a tale of how art serves as a conduit for healing and finding one’s place in the world.

Culmination: Is "Chewing Gum" Worth Watching?

"Chewing Gum" is a project that stirs numerous questions but often provides fewer answers. It could be perceived as an experiment within the realm of teen cinema, yet labeling it truly successful remains difficult at this point.

However, for viewers fascinated by dramas centered around intricate interpersonal relationships, this series might pique interest. There is a possibility that future episodes could delve deeper into the themes and characters. For now, the impressions remain mixed: while the series captivates, it equally frustrates with its superficiality and overloaded plots.

Let us hope that the creators eventually find a constructive direction, illustrating how even the most complicated situations can yield a way out.