Chewing Gum: A Raw Look at Teen Life's Challenges

The Series “Chewing Gum”: A Harsh Pill Against Naivety

The teen drama “Chewing Gum” continues to spark fervent debate among viewers, provoking a wide array of opinions. While some perceive it as an authentic portrayal of the harsh realities faced by today's youth, others dismiss it as a tedious and disjointed narrative, lacking any relatable characters or engaging plotlines. One thing is undeniably clear: this show is anything but forgettable, as it has firmly captured the attention of its audience.

Complex Characters that Elicit Mixed Reactions

At the heart of the series is Galia Shalamova, a naive young woman unwittingly pulled into a whirlwind of events driven by those around her.

• Empathy and Sympathy: A segment of viewers genuinely feel a sense of compassion for her plight. For instance, Vladimir comments, "Poor Galia, I really feel for her." To many, she embodies fragility in the face of a cruel world.
• Criticism and Frustration: Conversely, another faction of the audience critiques her behavior harshly. Maria points out, "This Galia is, to put it mildly, not bright. I would even call her naive and annoying."

This diverse range of perceptions may be precisely what the creators intended; Galia need not be a flawless heroine. Instead, her vulnerabilities and mistakes render her a more believable character.

A Twisted Narrative and a Harsh Atmosphere

“Chewing Gum” delves into urgent themes like bullying, abuse, toxic relationships, and stalking. The tension between Galia and Roma escalates with each episode, while a staged death of a blogger serves as a gripping plot twist.

A Brutal Teen World

Significant focus is placed on Galia's peers. Roma and his affluent friends navigate a moral void, exhibiting crass behaviors towards Galia that spotlight the brutality often found in modern youth dynamics. As Ariana observes, such actions seem "logical" in a world where adult characters also lack wisdom and guidance.

Space for Critique

The plot is riddled with moments that invite scrutiny:

• Musical Background: Boris criticizes the soundtrack with a sharp remark: "The music is an earsplitting disaster; I have to skip it."
• Character Behavior: Many find it frustrating how easily Galia succumbs to manipulation. Pasha cynically quips, "The main character's nickname suits her well."

The Cast and Direction

Fresh Faces in the Cast

Audiences note the refreshing aspect of the cast, comprising young actors not yet overexposed on screen. This aspect gives “Chewing Gum” a significant edge, making its characters feel like real individuals and not mere extensions of famous personalities.

Direction and Atmosphere

Directed by Alexander Tsui, celebrated for his work on “Difficult Teens,” “Chewing Gum” continues the exploration of teenage rebellion and cruelty. He crafts a gritty and tense atmosphere throughout the series. However, viewers have remarked that the series lacks innovative storytelling, as many of the themes have been treaded in previous teenage dramas.

Reasons to Watch (or Skip) “Chewing Gum”

Pros

• Authenticity: The series candidly addresses the complicated challenges faced by contemporary teens, refusing to sugarcoat the unpleasant realities.
• Fast-Paced Plot: The narrative's unexpected twists and turns keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
• Harsh Lessons: “Chewing Gum” can serve as a stark “warning” about the impacts of reckless decisions.

Cons

• Clichés and Tropes: Many sequences feel like a rehash of ideas that have been seen repeatedly in other productions.
• Lack of Depth: As Ariana notes, the series introduces important topics but fails to explore them thoroughly.
• Annoying Characters: The majority of the cast lacks relatability, making emotional investment challenging for the audience.

“Chewing Gum” is a contentious but indisputably conversation-starting series. It tackles pressing issues and invites viewers into a dark world of adolescent cruelty. However, the disarray of the narrative and illogical actions taken by the characters can leave audiences with mixed feelings.

For those ready to confront harsh and uneven stories, “Chewing Gum” may resonate. For others, it could very well be a "pill against naivety" that not everyone is willing to swallow.