Exploring the Chaos in the Series 'Chewing Gum'

From the very first frames of the series "Chewing Gum", it becomes abundantly clear that this is not just another cliché-ridden teenage drama. Instead, it seeks to condense a remarkably rich narrative into a brief runtime. Yet, the outcome elicits a cacophony of emotions. The themes tackled appear significant, yet their execution is far from satisfactory.

A Tangled Web of Plotlines and Time Constraints

One of the standout characteristics of "Chewing Gum" is its profusion of intertwining narratives that progress simultaneously. The series presents almost everything:

• Teenagers grappling with their typical (and not so typical) dilemmas;
• The criminal tendencies of the oppressive character Kirill;
• The mother of the main heroine, recently released from prison;
• A wealthy yet emotionally barren family with Roma, where his cancer-stricken sister and detached father amplify the atmosphere of despair;
• Betrayals, bullying, and even stalking.

While such a multitude of events could certainly be seen as a strength, the series suffers from a lack of time to fully develop these arcs. The limited runtime results in a hurried plot, leaving characters feeling underexplored and the narrative chaotic.

Main Characters: Eliciting Frustration Rather Than Empathy

As many viewers have pointed out, the characters within the series tend to provoke more irritation than compassion.

• Galya Shalamova — the central protagonist, whose existence is riddled with hardships, struggles to evoke a clear sense of sympathy from the audience. Her desperate quest for love and acknowledgment, though understandable, often comes off as overtly pushy.
• Roma (Hans Schmüze) — the affluent blogger who turns Galya into a target for ridicule, epitomizes the archetype of the spoiled rich kid. Instead of eliciting an ounce of empathy, he only magnifies the emptiness of his surroundings.
• Kirill — Galya's tyrannical boyfriend with a penchant for crime, adds to the overarching aura of tension and peril.

Even secondary characters like Roma's mother, who has lost touch with reality, or his sister battling illness fail to evoke the urge for compassion. It seems the creators deliberately designed all the characters to be as off-putting as possible.

Collective Brutality: Games That Spiral Out of Control

One of the most potent and simultaneously unsettling themes of the series is the persistent theme of collective cruelty. The so-called "game" orchestrated by Roma and his friends, which they dubbed "Chewing Gum," starkly exhibits a blatant disregard for another person’s feelings.

Scenes where a group of wealthy teens mock Galya present a glaring reflection of the issues surrounding bullying and moral irresponsibility. However, the series doesn't delve deeply into this matter, opting instead for a rather superficial portrayal.

Is There Hope for Plot Development?

Despite its myriad shortcomings, "Chewing Gum" harbors potential. Galya's journey through challenging circumstances and her yearning to carve a niche for herself in a world marred by deceit and manipulation could serve as a solid foundation for a more meaningful narrative.

One glimmer of hope is the suggestion that after enduring a series of tribulations, Galya might pen a script that transforms her life. This could evolve into a narrative that illustrates how art aids in overcoming trauma and discovering one's place in the world.

"Chewing Gum" emerges as a project that raises numerous questions, often failing to provide the audience with satisfactory answers. It could be viewed as an experiment in adolescent cinema; however, labeling it a resounding success is still a stretch.

Nonetheless, for viewers intrigued by dramas that explore complex relationships, the series might hold some allure. Perhaps future episodes will showcase a richer exploration of its themes and characters. For now, the impressions left behind are a mixed bag: the show captivates yet simultaneously frustrates with its shallowness and narrative overload.

Let us hope that the creators find the right path and demonstrate how even in the most daunting of situations, there is a way out.