An In-Depth Review of the Series 'Chewing Gum'

From the moment the credits of "Chewing Gum" roll, it's evident that this isn't your average teen drama. The creators have attempted to cram an elaborate narrative into a limited timeframe, resulting in a smorgasbord of intertwined storylines. The intriguing dilemmas presented spark interest, yet the way they unfold leaves room for improvement.

A Jumble of Storylines and Time Constraints

A defining characteristic of "Chewing Gum" is its myriad of plot threads that unfold concurrently. Almost every relatable teen concern is laid bare, including:

• The typical (and not-so-typical) issues of adolescence.
• The criminal tendencies of the tyrannical character, Kirill.
• The mother of the lead female, freshly released from the clutches of prison.
• The affluent yet emotionally hollow family of Roma, where a cancer-stricken sister and a distant father amplify the overarching gloom.
• Infidelity, bullying, and even stalking.

This plethora of occurrences could potentially enrich the narrative. However, the limited runtime strips these stories of their depth, making the plot feel rushed and the characters lackluster.

Main Characters: A Task to Evoke Sympathy

As many viewers have pointed out, eliciting empathy for the characters feels like a tall order, as they often cultivate more irritation than compassion.

• Gala Shalamova — the protagonist battling through a minefield of hardships, doesn't inspire unmistakable sympathy. Her quest for love and acceptance, while understandable, comes off as overly desperate.
• Roma (Hans Schmüze) — a privileged influencer who treats Gala as a mere joke, epitomizes the archetype of the spoiled rich kid. Instead of generating any sliver of sympathy, he amplifies the emptiness of his surroundings.
• Kirill — Gala's domineering boyfriend, whose criminal inclinations intensify the pre-existing atmosphere of dread and uncertainty.

Even secondary characters, such as Roma's disconnected mother or his sister grappling with illness, fail to elicit the warmth of empathy. It almost feels deliberate that the creators designed all characters to exhibit traits that make them less relatable.

Collective Cruelty: Games Gone Awry

One particularly striking yet off-putting theme of the series manifests in the form of collective cruelty. The so-called "game" orchestrated by Roma and his gang aimed at Gala, dubbed "Chewing Gum," blatantly disregards the emotional well-being of another individual.

Scenes depicting the wealthy clique mocking Gala sharply confront the serious issue of bullying and moral irresponsibility. What’s troubling, however, is that the series fails to delve deeply into this theme, opting instead for a surface-level portrayal.

Any Hope for Story Development?

Despite its shortcomings, "Chewing Gum" possesses latent potential. Gala's journey, her efforts to escape the entangled web of dire circumstances, and her quest for authenticity in a world rife with deceit and manipulation could provide fertile ground for a more profound narrative.

A flicker of hope arises from the notion that Gala, having endured her trials, might pen a screenplay that transforms her existence. This could blossom into a tale exploring how art serves as a conduit for overcoming trauma and discovering one’s place amid chaos.

In Summary: Is "Chewing Gum" Worth Watching?

In essence, "Chewing Gum" presents an intriguing array of questions while not always supplying satisfactory answers. Perhaps it can be viewed as an experiment in the realm of teen cinema, yet to declare it successful feels premature.

Nevertheless, for audiences captivated by stories entwined with complex relationships, the series holds a certain allure. There is hope that future episodes will delve deeper into character development and thematic exploration. For now, opinions remain mixed: while the series delivers intriguing moments, it simultaneously frustrates with its superficiality and plot overload.

Let’s hold on to hope that the creators can chart a more coherent path, illustrating how even the most tangled situations can lead to clarity and resolution.