Exploring the Complexities of 'Chewing Gum' Series

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

From the very first frames of "Chewing Gum," it becomes evident that this is not just another teen drama. Rather, it ambitiously seeks to cram an extraordinarily vibrant narrative into a limited runtime. Yet, the end result elicits a spectrum of emotions that are hard to pin down. While the themes addressed are undeniably significant, the execution leaves much to be desired.

A Maze of Plot Lines and a Time Crunch

One of the standout features of "Chewing Gum" is the array of intertwining plot lines that unfold simultaneously. Almost every conceivable high school dilemma seems to be represented, including:

• Teenagers grappling with their unique (and not-so-unique) issues;
• The criminal tendencies of the tyrannical character Kirill;
• Gala’s mother, who has just been released from prison;
• The affluent yet emotionally hollow family of Roma, complete with a sister battling cancer and a detached father, contributing to an atmosphere of despair;
• Themes of infidelity, bullying, and even stalking.

On the surface, this multitude of events could serve to enrich the narrative. However, due to the limited timeframe, the storyline tends to feel rushed, leaving characters underdeveloped and hard to connect with.

Main Characters: Eliciting More Frustration Than Sympathy

Across the board, the characters in the series, as many viewers have noted, tend to evoke more annoyance than empathy.

• Gala Shalamova, the central character, whose life is rife with challenges, doesn't manage to garner unequivocal sympathy from viewers. Her yearning for love and acceptance, while relatable, often comes off as overly desperate.
• Roma (Hans Shmyuze), the privileged blogger, initially positions Gala as the butt of his jokes, fitting the mold of a typical spoiled rich kid. Instead of prompting even a glimmer of sympathy, he amplifies the overarching sense of emptiness that permeates his surroundings.
• Kirill, Gala’s tyrannical boyfriend with a penchant for criminal activity, heightens the sense of tension and danger that encircles the narrative.

Even secondary characters, like Roma’s mother, who has lost touch with reality, or his sister fighting for her health, fail to evoke any desire for empathy. It feels as if the creators have intentionally designed every character to be deeply unlikable.

Collective Cruelty: Games That Spiral Out of Control

One of the most striking—and unsettling—themes explored in the series is the notion of collective cruelty. Roma and his friends' "game" with Gala, dubbed "Chewing Gum," starkly illustrates a blatant disregard for another person's feelings.

Scenes depicting a group of wealthy individuals mocking Gala specifically highlight the pervasive issues of bullying and moral irresponsibility. Yet, the series falters by not providing any profound exploration of these themes; instead, it merely skims the surface of these societal issues.

Is There Hope for Plot Development?

Despite its shortcomings, "Chewing Gum" holds potential for growth. Gala's journey, her struggles to break free from her murky life circumstances, and her quest for identity within a landscape fraught with deceit and manipulation could lay a solid foundation for a more coherent narrative.

Perhaps there’s a hint of hope that Gala, after navigating a series of challenges, might pen a script that transforms her existence. It could evolve into an inspiring tale about how art can help heal wounds and carve a place in a complicated world.

Culmination: Is "Chewing Gum" Worth Watching?

"Chewing Gum" stands as a project that raises numerous questions without always providing adequate answers. It might be viewed as a bold experiment in youth cinema, but it's tough to label it a resounding success at this juncture.

For viewers intrigued by dramas that tackle complex relationships, this series may provide a curiosity worth exploring. It’s possible that upcoming episodes will delve deeper into character development and thematic complexity. So far, however, the impressions left are a mixed bag: the series entices yet simultaneously frustrates with its superficiality and hurried plots.

Let’s hope that the creators discover a more fulfilling direction and illustrate how even the most complex predicaments can yield a path forward.