Chewing Gum Series Review: Audience Reactions and Insights

The Russian television series "Chewing Gum" (2024) has sparked a whirlwind of reactions among its viewers. This tale of a young woman striving to break free from her tumultuous past resonates deeply with some audiences while inciting skepticism and critique from others. This article sheds light on the diverse reviews surrounding the show and attempts to unpack the reasons behind the highly polarized emotions it evokes.

Gripping Intrigue From the Get-Go

One aspect that most viewers agree upon is the show’s compelling story, which captures attention right from Episode One. For instance, a viewer known as Gollum pointed out that while the series employs several clichés, it manages to keep its viewers glued to the screen with relentless suspense. The protagonist, Galya, a young screenwriter grappling with a difficult past, faces numerous challenges, including toxic relationships with Kirill and manipulative tactics from Roma.

Viewers' Opinions

• Maria shares, "The plot twists are quite intense. Galya finds herself in a challenging predicament, while her boyfriend Kirill comes off as a genuine psychopath. I'm intrigued to see how she navigates this mess."
• Konstantin opines, "The storyline feels very relatable. Teenagers often lack clarity about their goals, and their reckless decisions can lead to severe consequences."
• Anna mentions, "Galya dives deep into her troubles. As each episode unfolds, the plot thickens. I can’t imagine how she’ll sort through everything."

Critique of the Series: From Absurdities to Realism Issues

Despite its positive feedback, "Chewing Gum" has not escaped criticism, particularly from viewers who argue that certain segments appear unrealistic.

Common Complaints

1. Plot Inconsistencies:
2. Casting Choices:
3. Production Quality:

• Alisa comments, "How could the main character fall for Roma in just two days? If she lacked relationship experience, it might be understandable, but this is simply absurd."

• Mikhail critiques the casting: "Is it really plausible to have actors in their 27s playing teenagers? It feels ridiculous. Can’t they cast actual adolescents?"

• Some viewers believe the series comes across as artificial. Alyona notes, "The affluent characters look nothing like the wealthy teenagers we know, and their surroundings seem unconvincing."

Comparing with Other Projects

Several viewers draw comparisons between "Chewing Gum" and other films and series that tackle similar themes. For instance, Alyona likened it to classic films depicting challenging adolescent lives, such as "Wild Love" (1993) and "Cuddle".

Unique Aspects of the Series

• Contemporary Take: The series is adapted to reflect the realities of the 2020s, addressing issues like social media exploitation, online manipulation, and harmful relationships.
• Musical Score: A significant number of viewers, including Nazar Pogoreltsev, praise the soundtrack, emphasizing its catchiness and relevance to the series' atmosphere.

A Controversial Protagonist

Galya, the main character, stirs a whirlwind of emotions ranging from sympathy to outright annoyance.

Positive Feedback

• Alyona compliments, "The actress brings the character to life convincingly. Despite the complexity of her actions, Galya remains relatable."
• Stepan remarks, "Galya reflects the contemporary youth trying to find their place in the world."

Criticism

• Evgenia asserts, "Galya’s decisions are often illogical and frustrating. I find it hard to believe that one date could prompt such drastic actions."
• Maria expresses, "Galya's behavior in the sixth episode is simply infuriating. It’s tough to comprehend her motivations."

Season Finale: Viewer Reactions

The seventh and final episode ignited heightened interest, with Evgenia stating, "Finally, things heated up! This revival has reignited my interest in the series." Many fans are now eagerly awaiting the next season.

Epilogue

"Chewing Gum" has emerged as one of the most hotly debated projects of the year. Its unique narrative, social commentary, and emotional depth render it appealing to a specific audience. However, the criticism concerning its plot inconsistencies and casting choices indicates that there is ample room for improvement from the creators.

Nonetheless, "Chewing Gum" is undeniably a project that provokes discussion. Some viewers are eagerly anticipating new episodes, while others are actively critiquing its flaws. This dynamic means the series effectively captures attention and fulfills its primary purpose.