Chewing Gum Series Review: A Chaotic Teenage Drama

My Impressions of the Series "Chewing Gum": A Chaotic Tangle of Plot Lines and Teen Brutality

From the very first scenes of the series "Chewing Gum," it becomes evident that this is not your run-of-the-mill teenage drama; rather, it attempts to cram a plethora of intense and intricate narratives into its limited runtime. However, the outcome leaves viewers in a state of ambivalence. While the themes explored may seem significant, their execution is less than satisfactory.

A Web of Confusion: Plot Lines Abound

One of the defining traits of "Chewing Gum" is its multitude of plot lines that unravel simultaneously. Within its structure, the series encompasses just about every facet of adolescent life:

• Teens grappling with both typical and atypical issues;
• The criminal tendencies of the oppressive character, Kirill;
• The mother of the protagonist, freshly released from prison;
• The affluent yet emotionally barren family of Roma, where a sister battling cancer and a detached father cast a shadow of despair;
• Infidelity, bullying, and even stalking.

While such a range of story arcs could potentially enrich the viewing experience, the glaring limitation of time hampers their complete development. What emerges is a narrative that feels rushed and characters that come off as underdeveloped.

The Protagonists: Sympathy is Hard to Come By

A common sentiment echoed by viewers is that the characters in the series tend to elicit more irritation than empathy.

• Gala Shalamova — The main character whose life is fraught with challenges fails to consistently garner the audience's sympathy. Her desperate longing for love and validation, though relatable, often strikes as excessively desperate.
• Roma (Hans Shmüze) — The privileged influencer who turns Gala into laughter's target embodies the archetype of a self-absorbed rich kid. Instead of evoking any sympathy, he only exacerbates the sense of vacuity that pervades his environment.
• Kirill — Gala’s tyrannical boyfriend with a penchant for crime feverishly heightens the atmosphere of tension and danger.

Even the supporting characters, such as Roma's mother, who is disconnected from reality, or his sister, battling illness, fail to inspire compassion. It seems as though the creators purposefully crafted all characters to be unlikable.

Collective Cruelty: Games Gone Wrong

A particularly striking and unpleasant theme within the series is that of collective cruelty. Roma and his friends engage in a game with Gala affectionately dubbed “Chewing Gum,” epitomizing an abhorrent disregard for another's feelings.

Scenes where this group of wealthy individuals ridicules Gala sharply underscore the issues of bullying and moral irresponsibility. Yet, the crux of the problem lies in the show's inability to delve deeply into this topic, instead presenting it with a superficial lens.

Is There Hope for Narrative Growth?

Despite these shortcomings, "Chewing Gum" possesses the potential for growth. Gala's journey as she strives to extricate herself from her harsh reality and seeks to carve out her identity in a deceitful and manipulative world could lay the foundation for a more meaningful narrative.

One lingering hope suggests that Gala, after weathering a series of trials, may eventually pen a script that alters the course of her life. This could transform into a tale of how art becomes a vehicle for healing trauma and discovering one’s place in a turbulent world.

"Chewing Gum" sparks an array of questions while often failing to provide satisfactory answers. It can be regarded as an experiment within the realm of teenage cinema, though labeling it a success is debatable.

Nonetheless, for those intrigued by dramas chronicling complex relationships, the series may hold some merit. There remains hope that future installments will delve deeper into themes and flesh out characters more effectively. As it stands, viewers are left with mixed sentiments: while the show captivates, it simultaneously frustrates with its superficial treatment and convoluted storylines.

Let us remain optimistic that the creators will find the right path and demonstrate how even from the most challenging scenarios, it is possible to discover a way forward.