Dissecting the Polarizing Drama of 'Chewing Gum'

The Series "Chewing Gum": A Bitter Pill for Naiveté

The adolescent drama "Chewing Gum" continues to provoke heated debates among its audience. Some viewers appreciate its attempt to portray the harsh realities faced by modern youth, while others deem it a dull, jumbled drama where both the characters and their actions fail to evoke any sympathy. Regardless of opinions, one thing is clear: the series certainly elicits a strong reaction, leaving no room for indifference.

Characters that Spark Mixed Feelings

At the center of the series stands Galia Shalamova, a naive young woman who finds herself caught in a whirlwind of events instigated by those around her.

• Empathy and Concern: A segment of viewers genuinely roots for the protagonist. Take Vladimir, who voices his pity saying, "Poor Galia, I feel for her." For many, she embodies the vulnerability that succumbs to the cruelty of the world.
• Critique and Frustration: On the flip side, others critique Galia’s actions. Maria expresses disdain: "This Galia is, to put it nicely, not very bright. I’d even call her somewhat annoying."

This polarized perception might very well be the creators’ intent; Galia is not meant to be a flawless character. Her flaws and missteps render her relatable and authentic.

The Tangle of Storylines and an Atmosphere of Brutality

"Chewing Gum" delves into pressing issues such as bullying, abuse, toxic relationships, and stalking. The dynamic between Galia and Roma intensifies with each episode, while the engineered death of a blogger serves as a pivotal plot twist.

A Harsh Teenage World

Special attention is given to Galia’s environment. Roma and his circle are affluent teenagers who seem devoid of any moral compass. Their "games" with Galia illustrate a stark cruelty that Arina comments seems almost "logical," particularly given that the adults in the series exhibit no wisdom either.

Space for Critique

The plot is riddled with moments that raise eyebrows:

• Musical Accompaniment: Boris voices his discontent with the soundtrack: "The music is unbearable; it makes my ears bleed, I have to skip ahead."
• Character Actions: Many are irked by how easily Galia falls prey to manipulation. Pasha wittily remarks, "The nickname of the main character suits her perfectly."

Cast and Direction

Fresh Faces Beneath the Lights

Viewers have noted that the cast brings a sense of "freshness"—the young actors have not yet saturated the screens. This gives the series a distinctive edge: the characters are perceived as real individuals rather than mere portrayals tied to well-known actors.

Direction and Atmosphere

Directed by Alexander Tsoi, famed for his work on "Difficult Teens," "Chewing Gum" continues to explore themes of adolescent rebellion and brutality while crafting a grim and tense ambiance. However, viewers note that the series lacks groundbreaking approaches; many of its elements have appeared in previous teenage dramas.

Reasons to Watch or Skip "Chewing Gum"

Pros

• Realism: The series candidly addresses contemporary teen issues without glossing over the rough edges.
• Dynamic Plot: Intrigues and unexpected twists maintain the viewers' engagement.
• Brutal Morality: "Chewing Gum" might serve as a cautionary tale regarding the repercussions of reckless actions.

Cons

• Clichés and Tropes: Many scenes seem like a rehash of what has been showcased in other projects.
• Lack of Depth: As Arina points out, while the topics are raised, they are not thoroughly explored.
• Annoying Characters: The majority of characters fail to elicit sympathy, making emotional investment challenging.

In Summary

The series "Chewing Gum" is a contentious yet undeniably discussed project. It tackles timely issues and invites viewers to immerse themselves in a stark world of adolescent cruelty. However, the chaotic script and illogical character actions leave viewers with mixed feelings.

For those ready to confront gritty and uneven narratives, "Chewing Gum" may be appealing. For others, it could merely represent a "bitter pill against naiveté"—a pill that not everyone is willing to swallow.