Chewing Gum: Audience Reaction and Critical Insights

The Russian series "Chewing Gum" (2024) has sparked considerable buzz among viewers. The story, centered around a young woman striving to break free from the shackles of her past, resonates with some audiences while drawing criticism from others. Let's delve into the key opinions and discern why this project stirs such contrasting emotions.

Intriguing From the First Episode

Many viewers agree that the plot captivates right from the very first episode. For instance, a user by the name of Gollum remarks that although the series employs various clichés, it still manages to maintain a sense of intrigue. The lead character, Galya, a young screenwriter with a complex backstory, faces a plethora of trials, including a toxic relationship with Kirill and manipulation from Roma.

Viewer Opinions

• Maria: "The plot is intricately woven. Galya finds herself in a really tough spot, while her boyfriend Kirill comes across as a genuine psychopath. I'm curious to see how she will navigate through it all."
• Konstantin: "The story feels very relatable. Teenagers often don’t grasp what they’re aiming for, and their impulsive actions can lead to grave consequences."
• Anna: "Galya is deeply delving into her issues. With every episode, the events become increasingly convoluted. I can’t fathom how she will sort through everything."

Critique of the Series: From Absurdities to Disconnects with Reality

Despite the positive feedback, Chewing Gum faces its share of scrutiny from viewers who believe that certain aspects appear unrealistic.

Common Complaints

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

• Alyssa writes: "How could the main character fall for Roma in just two days? If she lacked relationship experience, it might be understandable, but in this case, it seems ridiculous."

• Mikhail critiques the casting: "Why are actors in their late twenties playing teenagers? It looks absurd. Can't they find actual teens for these roles?"

• Some viewers feel that the series has an artificial feel. Alena points out, "The affluent kids in the series don’t resemble real rich teenagers, and their environment doesn’t strike as believable."

Comparison with Other Projects

Several viewers draw comparisons between Chewing Gum and other films and series, highlighting similar themes. For instance, Alena established a connection to classic films depicting challenging teenage lives, such as "Wild Love" (1993) and "Chuchen".

Distinct Features of the Series

• Contemporary Interpretation: The project is adapted to reflect the realities of the 2020s, including issues related to social media, online manipulation, and toxic relationships.
• Musical Accompaniment: Many viewers, including Nazar Pogoreltsev, praise the soundtrack, noting its catchiness and alignment with the overall atmosphere of the series.

The Controversial Protagonist

Galya, the central character, elicits a wide range of emotions from the audience—from empathy to annoyance.

Positive Feedback

• Alena: "The actress excels in her role. Her character feels genuine, despite the complexity of her actions."
• Stepan: "Galya reflects modern teenagers trying to discover themselves in this world."

Critiques

• Evgenia: "Galya behaves irrationally and can be quite annoying. I can’t believe one date could lead to such a drastic change."
• Maria: "Galya’s conduct in the sixth episode is downright frustrating. It's tough to grasp the character's motivations."

Season Finale: Audience Opinions

The final, seventh episode sparked particular interest. According to Evgenia, "the action finally picked up," rekindling interest in the series. Many viewers are now eagerly anticipating the continuation of the story.

Epilogue

Chewing Gum has emerged as one of the most talked-about projects of the year. Its unique narrative, social themes, and emotional tension make it appealing to a specific audience. However, criticisms about plot inconsistencies and casting decisions indicate there's still room for improvement for the creators.

Nevertheless, Chewing Gum is a project that leaves no one indifferent. Some viewers eagerly await new episodes, while others engage in discussions about its shortcomings, underscoring that the series fulfills its primary role—capturing attention.