Exploring the Turbulent Themes in 'Chewing Gum'

From the very first frames of "Chewing Gum", it swiftly becomes evident that this isn't just another run-of-the-mill teenage drama. Rather, it aims to encapsulate a whirlwind of narrative action within its brief runtime. Yet, the end result generates a mixed bag of emotions. While the overarching themes are undoubtedly significant, the execution leaves much to be desired.

A Maze of Storylines and Time Constraints

One of the standout characteristics of "Chewing Gum" is its plethora of storylines that unfold simultaneously. Within this narrative web, it seems as if every imaginable teen dilemma has found its way into the mix:

• Adolescents grappling with their typical (and atypical) struggles;
• The criminal inclinations of the tyrannical character Kirill;
• Galia’s mother, who has recently been released from prison;
• A wealthy yet emotionally hollow family, embodied by Roma, where a sister battling cancer and a distant father only amplify the air of despair;
• Infidelity, bullying, and even stalking.

While this dense layering of events could have been a boon, the limited timeframe leaves little room for thoughtful exploration. Consequently, the plot feels rushed, and the characters appear underdeveloped.

Central Characters: Eliciting Frustration Rather than Sympathy

A common thread among viewers is that the characters, while rich in potential, evoke more irritation than empathy.

• Galia Shalamova — the protagonist whose life is fraught with challenges, struggles to forge a connection with the audience. Her unmistakable yearning for love and acceptance, though relatable, spirals into almost overbearing territory.
• Roma (Hans Shmyuze) — a wealthy influencer who reduces Galia to a figure of mockery, embodies the quintessential spoiled rich kid. Instead of garnering any sympathy, he deepens the sense of vacancy that surrounds him.
• Kirill — Galia’s tyrant boyfriend with his delinquencies only serves to heighten the prevailing tension and sense of menace.

Even secondary characters, such as Roma's mother, who is out of touch with reality, or his sister fighting illness, evoke little desire for connection. It appears that the creators deliberately fashioned all the characters to be as off-putting as possible.

Collective Cruelty: Games that Spiral Out of Control

A particularly striking yet uncomfortable theme prevalent in the series is collective cruelty. The so-called "game" that Roma and his friends play with Galia, dubbed "Chewing Gum," is a glaring affront to another’s feelings.

Scenes depicting the privileged group mocking Galia sharply reflect the problems of bullying and a shocking lack of moral responsibility. Yet, the series falls short of offering a deep dive into these serious issues, choosing instead to present them at a superficial level.

Is There Hope for Plot Development?

Despite its shortcomings, "Chewing Gum" harbors a seed of potential. Galia's narrative — her struggles to navigate difficult life situations and her quest to discover herself in a world overflowing with deceit and manipulation — holds promise for a more profound story arc.

One glimmer of hope lies in the suggestion that Galia, after enduring a series of tribulations, might pen a script that transforms her life. This could evolve into a narrative celebrating the power of art in overcoming trauma and carving out one’s space in the world.

"Chewing Gum" is a project that raises numerous questions without always providing satisfying responses. It could be considered an experiment in adolescent cinema, yet labeling it a success seems premature at this juncture.

Nevertheless, for viewers intrigued by dramas centered around complex relationships, this series may yet pique interest. Perhaps future episodes will delve into deeper themes and character intricacies. For now, impressions remain mixed: the series captivates and frustrates simultaneously, weighed down by its superficiality and narrative overload.

Let’s remain optimistic that the creators will discover a clearer path and illustrate how even the most challenging circumstances can lead to pathways of hope.