Exploring the Divisive Themes of 'Chewing Gum'

The Series "Chewing Gum": A Harsh Pill for Naïveté

The adolescent series "Chewing Gum" continues to ignite debates among viewers. Some see it as an attempt to unveil the stark realities faced by today’s youth, while others perceive it as a tedious, jumbled drama where neither the characters nor their actions elicit any feelings of sympathy. Despite the differing opinions, one thing is certain: this project has stirred passion and effectively captured attention.

Characters That Elicit Mixed Feelings

At the heart of the series is Galia Shalamova — a naive young woman caught in a whirlwind of events instigated by her surroundings.

• Empathy and Sympathy: Certain viewers genuinely root for the protagonist. For instance, Vladimir shares, "Poor Galia, I feel so sorry for her." To many, she embodies a vulnerability in the face of a cruel world.
• Criticism and Irritation: Conversely, another segment of the audience criticizes her actions. Maria remarks, "This Galia isn’t just a bit naive; I would say she’s utterly clueless and exasperating."

This polarizing perception could very well be what the creators intended to achieve: Galia is not designed to be a flawless hero; her frailties and missteps render her a relatable character.

Complex Plot Twists and an Atmosphere of Brutality

"Chewing Gum" captivates viewers with its focus on heavy themes such as bullying, abuse, toxic relationships, and stalking. The dynamics between Galia and Roma intensify with each episode, and a staged death of an influencer serves as the plot’s pivotal intrigue.

A Harsh Teenage World

Special attention is given to Galia’s social circle. Roma and his peers — affluent adolescents devoid of moral compasses — engage in cruel "games" with Galia that underscore a brutality that Ariana claims feels "logical," considering the adults in the series are equally lacking in wisdom.

Room for Critique

The storyline is rife with elements that prompt reflection:

• Soundtrack Concerns: Boris critiques the series' music, stating, "The soundtrack is ear-bleeding; I find myself fast-forwarding it constantly."
• Character Behavior: Many express their dissatisfaction with how easily Galia succumbs to manipulation, with Pasha quipping, "The main character’s nickname suits her perfectly."

Cast and Direction

Actors: Breathing New Life

Viewers note that the cast feels refreshingly novel — the young actors have yet to become ubiquitous on screens. This adds a distinct advantage to the series, allowing the characters to resonate as genuine individuals rather than mere extensions of well-known actors.

Direction and Atmosphere

Directed by Alexander Tsai, renowned for his work on "Difficult Teenagers," this project explores themes of adolescent rebellion and brutality, enveloping the audience in a dark, tense atmosphere. Nonetheless, viewers have pointed out that "Chewing Gum" lacks striking innovative elements, with many of its ideas previously explored in other teenage dramas.

Reasons to Watch – or Skip – "Chewing Gum"

Pros

• Authenticity: The series candidly addresses contemporary adolescent issues without sugarcoating.
• Dynamic Plot: Intrigues and unexpected twists keep audiences engaged.
• Harsh Morality: "Chewing Gum" serves as a potent "warning" about the repercussions of thoughtless choices.

Cons

• Clichés and Tropes: Numerous scenes feel like repetitions of what has been previously displayed in other productions.
• Lack of Depth: As Ariana remarks, while promising themes emerge, they often remain unexplored.
• Annoying Characters: The majority of the characters fail to inspire sympathy, complicating emotional investment from the audience.

The series "Chewing Gum" stands as a divisive yet undeniably discussed project. It delves into pressing issues while inviting viewers into a grim landscape of teenage cruelty. However, the disordered narrative and irrational character decisions produce a complex mixture of impressions.

For those open to experiencing harsh and jagged storytelling, "Chewing Gum" may be an appealing watch. For others, however, it may simply serve as a "pill for naivety" — one that not everyone is willing to swallow.