Critical Insights on the Russian Series 'Chewing Gum'

TV Show "Chewing Gum" (2024): Viewer Opinions and Critical Review

The Russian series "Chewing Gum" (2024) has ignited significant discussions among audiences. The story revolves around a young woman striving to break free from the chains of her past, resonating with some viewers while facing sharp criticism from others. Let’s delve into the main reviews and attempt to unravel the reasons behind the contrasting emotional responses it evokes.

Captivating Intrigue from the Start

A consensus among viewers is that the captivating storyline grabs you from the very first episode. A user by the name of Gollum remarks how the show employs various tropes, yet the intrigue remains palpable. The protagonist, Galia, a struggling screenwriter with a tumultuous past, confronts numerous trials, including toxic relationships with Kirill and manipulations from Roma.

Viewer Opinions

• Maria states: "The plot is intricately woven. Galia finds herself in a dire situation, and her boyfriend Kirill comes off as a genuine psychopath. I'm curious to see how she will cope."
• Konstantin shares: "The story feels relatable. Adolescents often lack clarity about their ambitions, and their impulsive choices can lead to serious outcomes."
• Anna observes: "Galia dives deep into her problems. As the episodes progress, the events become increasingly convoluted. I can’t imagine how she’ll navigate through everything."

Criticism of the Series: From Absurdities to Reality Gaps

Despite the favorable feedback, the series does not escape scrutiny, with many viewers pointing out that certain moments appear unrealistic.

Common Criticisms

1. Plot Inconsistencies:
2. Casting Choices:
3. Production Quality:

• Alisa points out: "How on earth did the main character fall for Roma in just two days? If she lacked relationship experience, that might be understandable; however, in this case, it’s sheer ridiculousness."

• Mikhail critiques the casting: "Why cast 27-year-olds to portray teenagers? It looks absurd. Can’t they find real teenagers?"

• Some viewers perceive the series as artificial. Alyona comments: "The wealthy kids in the show don’t resemble real rich adolescents, and their surroundings lack authenticity."

Comparisons with Other Projects

Several viewers draw parallels between "Chewing Gum" and other films and series, highlighting similar themes. For instance, Alyona draws comparisons to classic films that tackle the challenges of teen life, such as "Wild Love" (1993) and "The Dummy".

Features of the Series

• Modern Interpretation: The project is tailored to reflect the realities of the 2020s, touching on issues like social media dilemmas, online manipulation, and toxic relationships.
• Musical Score: Many viewers, including Nazar Pogorelcev, commend the soundtrack for its catchiness and fitting ambiance.

The Controversial Protagonist

The main character Galia elicits a wide range of emotions from viewers, swinging from sympathy to exasperation.

Positive Feedback

• Alyona remarks: "The actress skillfully embodies her role. Her character feels genuine, despite the complexity of her actions."
• Stepan adds: "Galia represents modern teens grappling to find themselves in this chaotic world."

Criticisms

• Evgenia critiques: "Galia’s actions are illogical and irritating. I can’t believe she’d behave that way over a single date."
• Maria shares: "Galia’s behavior in episode six is utterly grating. It’s challenging to understand her motivations."

Season Finale: Viewer Impressions

The seventh and final episode generated heightened interest among audiences. According to Evgeny, "Things finally heated up, reigniting interest in the show." Many viewers are now eagerly anticipating a sequel.

The End

"Chewing Gum" has emerged as one of the most talked-about projects of the year. Its unique narrative, tackling social issues, and the emotional tension it evokes makes it compelling for a specific audience. However, the critiques surrounding plot inconsistencies and casting decisions suggest that there’s room for improvement on the creators’ part.

Still, "Chewing Gum" is a project that stirs emotions. While some viewers are hungrily awaiting the next episodes, others engage in fervent discussions about its flaws, showcasing that the series successfully captures attention.