Exploring the Complexities of the Series 'Chewing Gum'

My Impressions of the Series "Chewing Gum": A Tangle of Plot Lines and Teenage Cruelty

From the very first scenes of "Chewing Gum," it becomes apparent that this is not your typical teenage drama; rather, it is an ambitious attempt to cram a multitude of storylines into a brief runtime. Yet, the outcome elicits a mixed bag of emotions. The issues being tackled seem significant, yet the execution leaves much to be desired.

A Jungle of Storylines and Time Constraints

One of the standout features of "Chewing Gum" is the abundance of intertwining narratives that unfold simultaneously. This show hosts just about everything:

• Adolescents grappling with their typical (and atypical) challenges;
• The criminal tendencies of a tyrannical character named Kirill;
• The mother of the main protagonist, who has just been released from prison;
• A wealthy yet emotionally barren family, represented by Roma, whose cancer-stricken sister and emotionally distant father add to the atmosphere of despair;
• Themes of infidelity, bullying, and even stalking.

While this plethora of events could be seen as a strength, the series lacks the necessary screen time to delve into these stories adequately. Consequently, the plot feels rushed and the characters seem underdeveloped.

Main Characters: Hard to Feel Sympathy

As many viewers have pointed out, the characters in the series often evoke more irritation than empathy.

• Galia Shalamova—the leading lady—seems to be perpetually swimming against a tide of adversity, yet she doesn't quite inspire clear sympathy. Her yearning for love and validation, though understandable, often comes off as overly desperate.
• Roma (Hans Schmüze)—the affluent online influencer—targets Galia for ridicule, embodying the archetype of a spoiled rich kid. Instead of fostering any sense of sympathy, he only heightens the emptiness of his surroundings.
• Kirill, Galia's domineering boyfriend with a penchant for crime, contributes to the overall aura of tension and danger.

Even secondary characters, like Roma's mother, who seems to have lost touch with reality, or his sister, who is fighting illness, fail to garner any desire for empathy. It almost feels as if the creators made a conscious choice to depict all the protagonists as deeply unlikable.

Collective Cruelty: Games That Escalate Out of Control

One of the most vivid—and simultaneously unsettling—themes in the series is the notion of collective cruelty. The so-called "game" that Roma and his friends play with Galia, derogatorily referred to as "Chewing Gum," exemplifies a callous disregard for another person's feelings.

Scenes portraying the wealthy clique mocking Galia starkly highlight issues like bullying and moral irresponsibility. However, the show falters by providing only a superficial exploration of this profound issue, opting to showcase it rather than analyze it in depth.

Is There Hope for Plot Development?

Despite the myriad shortcomings, "Chewing Gum" possesses potential. Galia's journey—her attempts to escape her tumultuous reality and her quest for self-discovery in a realm rife with deceit and manipulation—could lay the groundwork for a more meaningful storyline.

One flicker of hope lies in the suggestion that Galia might navigate her challenges to pen a screenplay that transforms her life. This could evolve into a tale about how creativity enables individuals to mend their wounds and carve out a space in an unfriendly world.

Closure: Is "Chewing Gum" Worth Watching?

"Chewing Gum" is a project that raises numerous questions and frequently provides no solid answers. It might well be viewed as an experiment within the realm of teen cinema, but labeling it a success at this juncture is a stretch.

Nevertheless, for audiences drawn to intricate dramatic arcs, the series has the potential to pique curiosity. Perhaps future episodes will delve into deeper character development and thematic exploration. For now, impressions remain mixed—the series intrigues while simultaneously frustrating you with its superficial and overloaded plots.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed that the creators will find the right path and showcase how even the most challenging situations can lead to a way out.