Exploring the Chaos of 'Chewing Gum': A Teen Drama Review
From the very first frames of "Chewing Gum," it's evident that this is not your typical teen drama; rather, it’s an ambitious attempt to pack a rich narrative into a compact runtime. However, the outcome leaves viewers with mixed feelings. The themes the series grapples with are clearly significant, yet the execution falls short in many ways.
A Maze of Plot Lines and a Lack of Time
A defining feature of "Chewing Gum" is its multitude of intertwining storylines that unfold simultaneously. It seems to encompass nearly everything:
- Teenagers confronting both typical and atypical issues
- The criminal tendencies of the overbearing character Kirill
- The mother of the protagonist, who has just been released from prison
- Roma's affluent yet emotionally barren family, featuring a sister grappling with cancer and a distant father, which add layers to the theme of despair
- Infidelities, bullying, and even stalking
Such a plethora of events might be a boon in a more extended format, but the limited runtime means that the story often comes across as rushed, with characters feeling underdeveloped or introduced only to be discarded later.
Main Characters: A Challenge in Empathy
As noted by a number of viewers, the characters in this series tend to evoke more irritation than sympathy.
- Galia Shalamova — the central character, whose life is riddled with hardships, fails to garner clear empathy from the audience. While her yearning for love and acceptance is relatable, it often comes off as overly needy.
- Roma (Hans Schmuze) — the affluent blogger who turns Galia into a subject of ridicule, epitomizes the typical spoiled rich kid. Instead of eliciting a trace of pity, he amplifies the sense of hollowness that permeates his social circle.
- Kirill — Galia's overbearing boyfriend with a penchant for crime, adds to the tension and danger woven into the narrative.
Notably, even secondary characters, like Roma's mother, who is lost in her own reality, or his sister battling illness, do little to stir feelings of compassion. It seems that the creators have intentionally crafted each character to be as unlikable as possible.
Collective Cruelty: Games That Spiral Out of Control
A particularly striking yet disturbing theme within the series is collective cruelty. Roma and his friends’ game with Galia, dubbed "Chewing Gum," exemplifies a shocking disregard for another’s emotional well-being.
Scenes where a group of wealthy peers mocks Galia poignantly depict issues of bullying and emotional irresponsibility. Yet it is worth mentioning that the series does not delve deeply into this topic; instead, it merely skims the surface of a profound societal critique.
Is There Hope for Plot Development?
Despite its numerous shortcomings, "Chewing Gum" possesses potential. Galia’s narrative arc—her quest to escape her trying circumstances and her desire to carve out an identity in a world fraught with deception and manipulation—could serve as a fertile ground for a more thoughtfully crafted storyline.
One silver lining is the hint that Galia may eventually pen a screenplay that changes her life. This could evolve into a narrative about how art can aid in healing wounds and discovering one’s purpose amidst chaos.
Bottom Line: Is "Chewing Gum" Worth Watching?
"Chewing Gum" is a project that leads to numerous questions, not all of which receive satisfying answers. Perhaps it can be considered an experiment in teen-centered cinema, but calling it a successful venture might be premature.
Nonetheless, for audiences intrigued by narratives highlighting complex relationships, the series could pique interest. There’s a chance that future episodes might explore topics and character development in greater depth. For now, impressions remain a mixed bag: the series captivates yet simultaneously frustrates with its superficiality and complicated storytelling.
Let's hope that the creators find the right direction and illustrate how even the most challenging situations can lead to resolution.