Exploring the Complexities of 'Chewing Gum' Series
From the very first scenes of ‘Chewing Gum’, it's unmistakably clear: this isn’t your run-of-the-mill teenage drama. Rather, it strives to compact a tapestry of rich narratives into a limited time frame. Yet, the result concocts a brew of mixed emotions. Although the themes at play seem profound, their execution leaves much to be desired.
A Confounding Array of Storylines and a Lack of Time
One of the standout traits of ‘Chewing Gum’ is its web of intertwining plotlines, all unfolding simultaneously. Within this chaotic narrative mix, you’ll find almost everything:
- Teens grappling with both typical and unusual issues;
- The criminal tendencies of the tyrannical character Kirill;
- The mother of the main protagonist, newly released from prison;
- The wealthy but emotionally desolate family of Roma, where a cancer-stricken sister and a cold father amplify the sense of despair;
- Betrayals, bullying, and even stalking.
Such a plethora of events could have been a double-edged sword, but alas, the series suffers from its constrained time limit. Consequently, the storyline feels rushed, leaving characters underdeveloped and the viewer disoriented.
Characters: Eliciting More Irritation Than Empathy
Most viewers have pointed out that the series’ characters evoke more annoyance than sympathy.
- Gala Shalamova — the primary protagonist whose life is riddled with hardships doesn’t generate unequivocal compassion among the audience. Her quest for love and acknowledgment, while understandable, feels overly desperate and intrusive.
- Roma (Hans Shmyuze) — a privileged vlogger who targets Gala as a figure of mockery, embodies the typical spoiled rich kid. Instead of evoking any empathy, he magnifies the prevailing sense of hollowness surrounding him.
- Kirill — Gala’s tyrannical boyfriend, bearing criminal traits, intensifies the series’ air of tension and danger.
Even secondary characters, such as Roma’s mother, who appears detached from reality, or his sister fighting illness, fail to trigger any desire for empathy. It feels as though the creators deliberately sculpted all characters to be as unlikable as possible.
Collective Cruelty: Games Spiraling Out of Control
One of the most striking yet disturbing themes of the series is the notion of collective cruelty. The “game” played by Roma and his friends with Gala, dubbed ‘Chewing Gum,’ epitomizes an alarming disregard for another person's feelings.
Scenes where the affluent gang ridicules Gala sharply illuminate the grave issue of bullying and moral irresponsibility. Yet, therein lies the conundrum: the show fails to delve deeply into this pressing concern, merely skimming its surface.
Is There Hope for Narrative Development?
Despite its shortcomings, ‘Chewing Gum’ harbors potential. Gala’s narrative, her desperate attempts to escape dire life circumstances, and her quest for self-discovery in a realm filled with deceit and manipulation could pave the way for a more thoughtful storyline.
One flicker of hope lies in the subtle suggestion that Gala, after enduring a series of tribulations, may write a screenplay that transforms her existence. It could evolve into a narrative showcasing how art facilitates healing and finds one’s rightful place in the world.
End: Is ‘Chewing Gum’ Worth Watching?
‘Chewing Gum’ emerges as a project that prompts a multitude of questions, often leaving them unanswered. It could be perceived as an experimental venture in teenage cinema, yet declaring it a success remains a stretch.
Nevertheless, for viewers intrigued by the intricacies of complex relationships, the series might hold some curiosity. Perhaps in future episodes, we will witness a more profound exploration of themes and character development. As it stands, the impressions linger ambivalently: the series captivates while simultaneously irritating viewers with its superficiality and overload of plotlines.
Here’s hoping that the creators will eventually discover the right path, demonstrating that even the most convoluted situations can lead to a way out.