Chewing Gum Series: Chaos, Characters, and Critique

My Impressions of the Series ‘Chewing Gum’: Chaos of Storylines and Teen Violence

From the very first frames of the series ‘Chewing Gum’, it becomes apparent that it isn't just another run-of-the-mill teen drama. Instead, it appears to be an ambitious endeavor to cram an immensely intricate storyline into a limited runtime. However, the outcome evokes a sense of ambivalence. While the themes hint at significance, their execution could certainly be improved.

A Tangled Web of Plotlines and Time Constraints

One of the defining characteristics of ‘Chewing Gum’ is the sheer number of plotlines that unfold concurrently. This series has just about everything you could imagine:

• Teens grappling with their fair share of (and sometimes bizarre) challenges;
• The nefarious tendencies of the tyrannical character Kirill;
• The mother of the protagonist, recently released from prison;
• A wealthy, emotionally drained family represented by Roma, where a sister battling cancer and a distant father add to the atmosphere of despair;
• Themes of betrayal, bullying, and even stalking.

This barrage of events could have served as a strong plus for the series if only there was sufficient time to develop them fully. Unfortunately, the limited runtime leaves the plot feeling hurried, and the characters appearing undercooked.

Main Characters: A Challenge to Elicit Sympathy

Many viewers have noted that the characters in this series tend to provoke more annoyance than empathy.

• Galia Shalamova — the leading lady, whose life is a labyrinth of hardships, doesn’t universally resonate with the audience. Her quest for love and validation, although relatable, comes off as overly desperate.
• Roma (Hans Schmüze) — an affluent influencer who turns Galia into a target for mockery, encapsulates the role of a spoiled rich kid. Rather than evoking a smidge of compassion, he exacerbates the emptiness of his surroundings.
• Kirill — Galia’s controlling boyfriend with criminal tendencies, contributes significantly to the overarching feeling of tension and danger.

Even secondary characters, such as Roma’s mother, who has lost touch with reality, or his sister battling illness, fail to inspire any sense of compassion. It appears as though the creators intentionally crafted all the characters to be as unappealing as possible.

Collective Cruelty: Games That Spiral Out of Control

One of the most striking yet unsettling themes of the series revolves around collective cruelty. The so-called “game” played by Roma and his friends with Galia, whom they derisively dub “Chewing Gum,” exemplifies a blatant disregard for another person’s feelings.

Scenes showcasing the group of rich youths ridiculing Galia poignantly encapsulate issues of bullying and moral irresponsibility. Unfortunately, the series falls short in providing a profound analysis of this theme, merely showcasing it on a superficial level.

Is There Hope for Plot Development?

Despite its numerous shortcomings, ‘Chewing Gum’ possesses some potential. Galia’s journey, her attempts to navigate through challenging situations, and her quest for identity in a world rife with deception and manipulation could lay the groundwork for a more thoughtful narrative.

One glimmer of hope rests in the suggestion that Galia, after enduring a series of trials, may eventually script a story that transforms her life. This could evolve into a narrative about how art aids in overcoming trauma and discovering one’s place in the world.

Closure: Is ‘Chewing Gum’ Worth Watching?

‘Chewing Gum’ is a project that raises numerous questions without always providing clarity. It could be deemed an experiment in the sphere of teen cinema, but labeling it as a resounding success seems premature.

Nevertheless, it might pique the interest of viewers drawn to dramas about complex relationships. Hopefully, as the series progresses, it will delve deeper into its themes and characters. For now, impressions remain mixed: the show intrigues yet frustrates with its superficiality and overload of narratives.

Let’s remain hopeful that the creators will discover the right trajectory, demonstrating how even the most challenging circumstances can yield a pathway to resolution.