Is 'Chewing Gum' a True Reflection of Teen Life?

The Series "Chewing Gum": A Bitter Pill Against Naivety

The teen drama series "Chewing Gum" has ignited a firestorm of debate amongst viewers. Some appreciate its audacious attempt to expose the raw realities of contemporary youth, while others find it to be a tedious, jagged narrative where neither the characters nor their actions earn any fondness. Opinions are sharply divided, yet undoubtedly, apathy towards this show is non-existent.

Characters Evoking Mixed Emotions

At the heart of the story is Galia Shalamova — a seemingly naïve girl drawn into a whirlwind of events stirred by her peers.

• Empathy and Compassion: Certain viewers find themselves rooting for her in her plight. One viewer, Vladimir, echoes this sentiment with: "Poor Galia, my heart aches for her." For many, she symbolizes the vulnerability that is all too real in a cruel world.
• Critique and Frustration: Conversely, another group of viewers express dismay at Galia's choices. Maria critiques bluntly, stating: "Galia is, to put it mildly, rather dim. I’d even venture to say she’s annoying and lacks common sense."

This stark contrast in perceptions could very well be the intention of the creators: Galia is not meant to be the ideal representation of strength; her faults and missteps ground her as a relatable figure.

Complex Plot Twists and an Atmosphere of Brutality

"Chewing Gum" is woven with sharp themes such as bullying, abuse, toxic relationships, and stalking. Each episode heightens the tension between Galia and Roma, whilst the orchestrated death of a blogger becomes a pivotal mystery that drives the narrative forward.

A Brutal World of Teenagers

Special focus is given to Galia’s surroundings. Roma and his affluent friends are portrayed as morally bankrupt adolescents whose sordid games with Galia display a chilling degree of cruelty. Ariana notes that their actions appear almost "logical", given that adult figures in the series are equally devoid of wisdom.

A Space for Critique

The plot is replete with moments that provoke scrutiny:

• Musical Accompaniment: Boris expresses disdain for the soundtrack, lamenting, "The music is so grating it makes my ears bleed — I have to skip it."
• Character Behavior: Many are irked by how easily Galia falls prey to manipulation. Pasha facetiously remarks, "The nickname of the main character suits her perfectly."

Cast and Direction

Fresh Faces in the Cast

Viewers have noted the series boasts a cast highlighted by relative newcomers whose faces haven’t been overexposed on screens. This provides an edge to the show, allowing audiences to engage with the characters as real individuals rather than as established personas of famous actors.

Direction and Atmosphere

Directed by Alexander Tsai, known for his work on "Difficult Adolescents", "Chewing Gum" continues to delve into the themes of teenage rebellion and cruelty, crafting a dark and tension-filled atmosphere. Yet, audiences have pointed out that the series lacks bold innovative elements; similar narratives have already been explored in various teen dramas.

Why You Might (or Might Not) Want to Watch "Chewing Gum"

Pros

• Authenticity: The series presents unvarnished glimpses into the issues faced by today’s teenagers, refusing to sugarcoat reality.
• Engaging Plot: The story’s twists and turns are designed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
• Brutal Morality: "Chewing Gum" can serve as a stark cautionary tale about the repercussions of reckless decisions.

Cons

• Clichés and Tropes: Many scenes seem like a rehashed version of what has already been presented in countless other series.
• Lack of Depth: As Ariana points out, although the themes are declared, they suffer from a lack of thorough exploration and development.
• Annoying Characters: A majority of the cast lacks redeeming qualities, making it hard for some viewers to feel emotionally connected.

End

"Chewing Gum" emerges as a contentious series that undeniably sparks conversation. By addressing pressing issues, it invites its audience into the grim domain of adolescent hostility. However, the disjointed narrative and illogical decisions of its characters leave behind mixed impressions.

For those who are prepared for unvarnished and jagged storytelling, "Chewing Gum" might just resonate. For others, it may serve as a vitriolic "pill against naivety", one that not everyone may be willing to swallow.