Exploring the Complexity of 'Chewing Gum': A Review

From the very first frames of "Chewing Gum," it becomes clear that this isn't your run-of-the-mill teenage drama. Instead, it attempts to pack a hefty narrative into a brief runtime. Yet, the end result invokes a mixed bag of emotions. The issues explored feel significant, yet their execution leaves much to be desired.

A Maze of Plots and Time Constraints

One of the most defining elements of "Chewing Gum" is its multitude of storylines that unfold simultaneously. The series encompasses a rich array of themes, including:

• Teenagers grappling with their typical (and not-so-typical) issues.
• The criminal tendencies of Tyrannical Kirill.
• The mother of the main character, recently released from prison.
• The wealthy but emotionally barren family of Roma, where a sister battling cancer and an aloof father amplify the sense of hopelessness.
• Infidelity, bullying, and even stalking.

Such a plethora of events could have been a strong point, had the show allotted enough time to develop them adequately. However, the limited duration results in a storyline that feels cramped, leaving the characters underdeveloped and the plot somewhat disjointed.

The Main Characters: A Challenge to Evoke Sympathy

As many viewers have pointed out, the characters throughout the series tend to evoke more irritation than empathy.

• Galya Shalamova — the protagonist whose life teems with challenges fails to inspire unequivocal sympathy. Her quest for love and acknowledgment, while understandable, comes off as excessively desperate.
• Roma (Hans Shmyuze) — the affluent influencer who becomes a target of ridicule for Galya, embodies the archetypal spoiled rich kid. Rather than eliciting any sympathy, he underscores the emptiness of his surroundings.
• Kirill — Galya's tyrannical boyfriend with a penchant for crime, adds to the overall atmosphere of tension and peril.

Even secondary characters, such as Roma's reality-detached mother or his sister fighting illness, don’t foster a desire for empathy. It almost feels as though the creators intentionally crafted characters that are utterly unlikable.

Collective Cruelty: Games That Spiraled Out of Control

A pivotal and simultaneously troubling theme presented in the series is that of collective cruelty. Roma and his friends' "game" with Galya, which they mockingly name "Chewing Gum," epitomizes a stark disregard for another person’s feelings.

Scenes showcasing the elite group ridiculing Galya glaringly reflect the issues of bullying and moral irresponsibility. However, the series falls short in providing a profound analysis of this topic; it merely scratches the surface without delving deeper.

Hope for Story Development?

Despite its shortcomings, "Chewing Gum" holds potential. Galya’s journey through complex life challenges and her desire to carve out her identity in a world teeming with deception and manipulation could form the bedrock of a more meaningful narrative.

A glimmer of hope remains in the suggestion that Galya, after navigating a series of trials, might craft a script that alters her life. This could evolve into a narrative about how art can assist in healing trauma and discovering one’s place in the world.

End: Is "Chewing Gum" Worth Watching?

"Chewing Gum" sparks a multitude of questions and often leaves them unresolved. It may well be viewed as an experiment in the realm of teenage cinema, yet labeling it a success seems far-fetched at this point.

Nonetheless, for viewers intrigued by dramas surrounding complex relationships, the series might hold some curiosity. Perhaps future episodes will provide a deeper exploration of themes and character development. As it stands, reactions remain mixed: the series captivates yet simultaneously frustrates with its superficiality and narrative congestion.

Let’s hope the creators find the right direction to show how even the most chaotic situations can lead to hopeful outcomes.