Exploring the Complexities in 'Chewing Gum' Series

My Impression of the Series "Chewing Gum": A Tangle of Plot Lines and Teenage Cruelty

From the very first frames of the series "Chewing Gum", it becomes immediately apparent that viewers are not just facing another run-of-the-mill teen drama. Instead, it’s a bold attempt to pack an intricate narrative into a reasonably short runtime. Yet, the final result is a cocktail of mixed emotions. While the themes explored seem pertinent, the execution leaves much to be desired.

Confusion Among Plot Lines and the Time Crunch

One notable hallmark of "Chewing Gum" is its myriad of plot lines unfolding simultaneously. Almost every conceivable angle is presented:

• The struggles typical of teenagers—both real and exaggerated;
• The criminal inclinations of the tyrannical character Kirill;
• The mother of the protagonist, recently released from prison;
• A wealthy yet emotionally hollow family dealing with cancer while their cold father adds to the pervasive sense of despair;
• Issues surrounding infidelity, bullying, and even stalking.

While such a rich array of events could enhance the series, the brevity of the show means that plot points often feel rushed, leaving characters feeling underdeveloped and the storyline lacking depth.

Main Characters: Earning Sympathy is a Challenge

Many viewers have pointed out that the characters, rather than evoking empathy, often elicit more annoyance.

• Gala Shalamova — the main protagonist whose life is riddled with challenges somehow lacks the viewer's unreserved sympathy. Her yearning for love and recognition, though relatable, comes off as overly desperate.
• Roma (Hans Shmyuze) — a privileged content creator who turns Gala into a target for ridicule, embodies the quintessential spoiled rich kid. Instead of getting even a hint of sympathy, he amplifies the sense of emptiness surrounding his character.
• Kirill — Gala’s controlling and criminally-inclined boyfriend adds a healthy dose of tension and danger to the mix.

Even secondary characters like Roma’s mentally drifting mother or his sister battling illness fail to stir any desire for sympathy. It’s almost as if the creators intentionally designed all the characters to be as off-putting as possible.

Collective Cruelty: Games that Spiral Out of Control

One of the series’ most vivid—and distasteful—elements is the theme of collective cruelty. Roma and his friends engage in a game they’ve dubbed "Chewing Gum," which starkly undermines the emotions of others.

Scenes depicting the wealthy group mocking Gala sharply underscore the pervasive issues of bullying and moral irresponsibility. However, the show's handling of these serious themes is rather shallow; it merely showcases cruelty without offering substantial insight or analysis.

Is There Hope for Plot Development?

Despite its flaws, there remains a glimmer of potential within "Chewing Gum". Gala's narrative, her battle to break free from entangling life circumstances, and her quest for identity in a world rife with deception and manipulation could be the foundation for a more thoughtful and resonant plot.

One particularly hopeful hint is the suggestion that Gala, after traversing her share of trials, might pen a script that transforms her life significantly. This could evolve into a narrative about how art serves as a vehicle for overcoming trauma and discovering one’s place amid chaos.

Ultimately, "Chewing Gum" is a project that raises numerous questions without providing satisfying answers. It could be seen as an experiment in adolescent cinema, yet it’s difficult to classify it as a resounding success at this stage.

Nevertheless, for audiences drawn to dramas exploring complex relationships, the series might pique interest. Perhaps forthcoming episodes will delve deeper into themes and character growth. For now, viewers are left with mixed feelings: the show captivates yet simultaneously frustrates with its lack of depth and plot overload.

Let’s remain optimistic that the creators will discover their footing and illuminate how even the most complicated scenarios can yield a way out.