Exploring the Chaos of 'Chewing Gum': A Series Review

From the very first frames of the series "Chewing Gum", it becomes clear that we are not dealing with just another typical teenage drama. Instead, it's an ambitious endeavor to pack a plethora of intense storylines into a short runtime. However, the end result elicits a mixture of emotions. The themes tackled appear to be significant, yet the execution leaves much to be desired.

Tangled Plotlines and Time Constraints

One of the hallmark traits of "Chewing Gum" is its myriad of plotlines weaving together in parallel. Within this chaotic narrative, we encounter almost everything:

• Adolescents grappling with their typical (and some not-so-typical) issues;
• The criminal tendencies of the domineering character Kirill;
• The mother of the lead heroine who has just been released from prison;
• An affluent yet emotionally hollow family represented by Roma, whose cancer-stricken sister and detached father amplify the atmosphere of despair;
• Themes of infidelity, bullying, and even stalking.

This abundance of events might seem like a positive aspect, if only the series had the ample time to explore them properly. Instead, the restricted runtime causes the story to feel rushed, leaving characters underdeveloped and plot points seemingly abandoned.

Main Characters: Sympathy is Hard to Summon

As many viewers have pointed out, the characters in the series evoke more frustration than empathy.

• Galia Shalamova, the protagonist, whose life is filled with challenges, fails to capture the audience's unwavering sympathy. Her quest for love and acceptance, while understandable, appears excessively desperate.
• Roma (Hans Schmuze), the wealthy blogger who turns Galia into the butt of his jokes, is the epitome of a spoiled rich kid. Rather than generating any empathy, he intensifies the sense of emptiness that surrounds him.
• Kirill, Galia's tyrannical boyfriend with a penchant for crime, adds to the prevailing atmosphere of tension and danger.

Even the secondary characters, such as Roma's mother, who appears disconnected from reality, or his sister battling illness, fail to evoke any desire for sympathy. It feels almost as though the creators intentionally designed all the characters to be as unappealing as possible.

Collective Cruelty: Games That Get Out of Hand

One of the most striking yet uncomfortable themes in the series is the collective cruelty among peers. The game orchestrated by Roma and his friends—nicknamed "Chewing Gum"—highlights a blatant disregard for the feelings of another.

Scenes where the wealthy group ridicule Galia lay bare the harsh realities of bullying and moral irresponsibility. However, the series does not offer a profound examination of this issue; rather, it merely skims the surface.

Is There Hope for Plot Development?

Despite its numerous flaws, "Chewing Gum" does exhibit potential. Galia’s story—her attempts to extricate herself from dire circumstances and her longing to discover her identity in a world rife with deceit and manipulation—could serve as a foundation for a more meaningful plot.

One glimmer of hope remains in the suggestion that Galia, after enduring a series of trials, might pen a screenplay that transforms her life. This could evolve into a narrative about how art helps individuals transcend their traumas and regain their footing in the world.

Final Thoughts: Is "Chewing Gum" Worth Watching?

"Chewing Gum" is a venture that provokes numerous questions while often failing to provide definitive answers. It can arguably be viewed as an experiment in the realm of teen cinema, but labeling it a success remains contentious.

Nevertheless, for those intrigued by dramas that explore complicated relationships, this series may have its appeal. Perhaps future episodes will delve deeper into themes and character development. For now, impressions linger ambiguously: the series piques interest yet simultaneously frustrates with its shallow narratives and overwhelming multitude of plots.

Let’s hold out hope that the creators discover the right direction to illustrate how even the most challenging situations can lead to a way out.