Insightful Reviews of the Russian Series Gum (2024)

The Russian television series "Gum" (2024) has struck a chord with viewers, sparking discussions that range from enthusiastic praise to pointed critique. The narrative revolves around a young woman attempting to break free from the chains of her past, a theme that resonates deeply with some while presenting problems for others. In this article, we will dissect the audience's feedback and explore the reasons behind the polarizing nature of this project.

Engaging from the First Episode

Many spectators converge on the belief that the plot captivates from the very first episode. For instance, a viewer known as Gollum observes that, despite the presence of several clichés, the suspense remains intact. The protagonist, Galya, a budding screenwriter with a troubled history, faces an array of challenges, from toxic relationships with her boyfriend Kirill to the manipulations of her friend Roma.

Audience Opinions

• Maria comments, "The plot is incredibly twisted. Galya finds herself in a tough spot, and her boyfriend Kirill comes across as a genuine psychopath. I'm curious how she'll manage to navigate through this."
• Konstantin shares, "The story feels real. Teenagers often lack direction, and their rash decisions can lead to serious repercussions."
• Anna states, "Galya delves further into her struggles. With each episode, things become increasingly complex. I can’t even fathom how she’s going to sort it all out."

Critiques of the Series: From Absurdities to Inconsistencies

While there are plenty of commendations, the series is also met with criticism from those who believe that some aspects appear unnatural or implausible.

Common Criticisms

1. Plot Inconsistencies:

• Alisa writes, "How did the protagonist fall for Roma in just two days? If she hadn’t had relationship experience before, it might make sense, but in this context, it feels utterly foolish."

1. Casting Choices:

• Mikhail critiques the casting, stating, "Why cast 27-year-olds as teenagers? It comes off as ridiculous. Is it so hard to find genuine teens for the roles?"

1. Production Quality:

• Some viewers opine that the series feels artificial. Alyona comments, "The wealthy characters don’t resemble real affluent teenagers, and their surroundings seem unrealistic."

Comparison with Other Works

Certain viewers draw parallels between Gum and other films and series that tackle similar themes, highlighting its connection to the struggles of adolescent life. For example, Alyona compares it with classic coming-of-age films, such as "Wild Love" (1993) and "Puppet".

Series Distinctions

• Contemporary Interpretation: This series adapts to the realities of the 2020s, addressing issues such as social media dynamics, online manipulation, and toxic relationships.
• Soundtrack Praise: Numerous viewers, including Nazar Pogoreltsov, applaud the soundtrack, noting its catchiness and how it complements the show’s atmosphere.

The Controversial Protagonist

Galya, the main character, elicits a spectrum of reactions, ranging from empathy to frustration.

Positive Feedback

• Alyona expresses, "The actress portrays her role magnificently. Her character appears genuine, despite the complexity of her decisions."
• Stepan adds, "Galya represents modern teenagers, striving to find their place in the world."

Critique

• Evgenia states, "Galya's behavior is erratic and frustrating. I can’t believe she would act that way over a single date."
• Maria remarks, "Galya's actions in episode six are simply maddening. It's hard to grasp her motivations."

Season Finale: Viewers' Reactions

The concluding seventh episode stirred particular interest. According to Evgeny, "it finally heated up, reigniting the viewers' interest in the series." Many viewers are now eagerly anticipating the next installment.

Ending

The series Gum has emerged as one of the most discussed productions of the year. Its unique narrative, social themes, and emotional intensity render it fascinating for a certain audience segment. However, the critique surrounding plot inconsistencies and casting choices indicates that the creators have areas requiring improvement.

Nevertheless, Gum remains a project that stirs strong emotions. While some viewers eagerly await new episodes, others engage in active discourse about its shortcomings, underscoring that the series fulfills its primary purpose: capturing attention.