An In-Depth Review of the Series Chewing Gum

My Impressions of the Series "Chewing Gum": A Chaotic Tangle of Plotlines and Teen Violence

From the very opening scenes of "Chewing Gum," it quickly becomes apparent that this series strives to transcend the realms of a typical teenage drama. Instead, it seeks to encapsulate a very dense narrative within a brief runtime. However, the outcome elicits a mixed bag of feelings. While the themes it tackles are undoubtedly significant, the execution leaves much to be desired.

A Tangle of Plotlines and Time Constraints

One of the standout characteristics of "Chewing Gum" is the vast number of plotlines unfolding in parallel. The series attempts to cover a myriad of issues, including—but not limited to—

• teenagers grappling with both typical and atypical dilemmas;
• the criminal tendencies of the tyrannical character Kirill;
• the protagonist's mother, recently released from prison;
• the affluent yet emotionally vacant Romas family, haunted by a cancer-stricken sister and an unfeeling father, all contributing to an overwhelming sense of despair;
• infidelity, bullying, and even stalking.

This multitude of storylines could have been a boon had the series found ample time to delve into each one appropriately. Unfortunately, the limited runtime results in a narrative that appears disjointed, with characters that seem underdeveloped, lacking the depth necessary for impactful storytelling.

Main Characters: Eliciting Irritation Rather Than Sympathy

As many viewers have pointed out, the characters in this series provoke more annoyance than empathy.

• Gala Shalamova—the central figure in this narrative—leads a harrowing life filled with strife, yet her portrayal fails to resonate strongly with audiences. Her fervent longing for love and recognition, while relatable, comes across as excessively desperate.
• Roma (Hans Schmueze)—a wealthy influencer—makes Gala the target of his ridicule, embodying the quintessential privileged brat. Rather than inspiring a modicum of sympathy, he amplifies the sense of superficiality in his social circle.
• Kirill, Gala's despotic boyfriend with a penchant for crime, contributes to the palpable atmosphere of tension and danger.

Even the secondary characters, such as Roma’s mother, who has become detached from reality, or his sister, who is courageously battling illness, fail to elicit any strong feelings of sorrow. There appears to be an intentional effort by the creators to construct a cast that is as repelling as possible.

Collective Cruelty: Games That Spiral Out of Control

One of the series’ most glaring—and troubling—themes is that of collective brutality. The so-called "game" that Roma and his friends play with Gala, dubbed "Chewing Gum," exemplifies a shocking disregard for another person’s feelings.

Scenes depicting a group of affluent youths mocking Gala poignantly highlight the issues of bullying and moral irresponsibility. Yet, the series disappointingly fails to offer a deeper investigation into this disturbing theme, merely skimming the surface of a much more complex issue.

Is There Hope for Plot Development?

Despite its flaws, "Chewing Gum" possesses a glimmer of potential. Gala's narrative—her attempts to navigate through life's adversities while seeking her identity in a world rife with deception and manipulation—could serve as the foundation for a more profound storyline.

One can hold onto the hope that Gala, after a series of daunting trials, will manage to pen a script that alters the course of her life. This could evolve into a tale about how art serves as a therapeutic tool for overcoming traumas and finding one’s rightful place in the world.

"Chewing Gum" is undeniably a project that stirs numerous questions while failing to provide satisfactory answers. It may be viewed as an experiment in the genre of teenage cinema, yet labeling it as a triumph at this point seems presumptuous.

Nevertheless, for viewers intrigued by dramas that delve into complex relationships, the series could pique interest. Perhaps upcoming episodes will deliver richer thematic exploration and more fleshed-out characters. For now, reactions remain mixed: the series captivates yet simultaneously frustrates with its superficiality and narrative overload.

Let’s remain optimistic that the creators will steer the series in the right direction, demonstrating that even the most challenging situations can be navigated successfully.