Examining Viewer Reactions to 'Chewing Gum' (2024)

The Russian series "Chewing Gum" (2024) has sparked significant interest and conversation among its audience. This narrative about a young woman striving to break free from the shackles of her past resonates deeply with some viewers, while others express dissatisfaction. In this exploration, we will delve into the predominant reactions from audiences and attempt to unravel the reasons behind the mixed emotions surrounding this project.

Captivating Intrigue from the First Episodes

A consensus seems to emerge among most viewers: the plot grabs attention almost immediately. A user with the handle Gollum noted that while the series employs several clichés, it deftly maintains suspense. The protagonist, Galya, a young scriptwriter navigating a challenging life, faces numerous hurdles, including toxic relationships with her boyfriend Kirill and manipulation from Roma.

Viewer Perspectives

• Maria: "The plot is tightly woven. Galya is in a really tough spot, and her boyfriend Kirill comes off as a true psychopath. I'm eager to see how she manages."
• Konstantin: "The storyline appears realistic. Teenagers often grapple with understanding their aspirations, and their rash decisions can lead to severe repercussions."
• Anna: "Galya dives deep into her troubles. With each episode, things become increasingly complicated. I can hardly envision how she’ll sort it all out."

Criticism of the Series: From Absurdities to Realism Failures

Despite the favorable opinions, the series has found itself subject to criticism from viewers who argue that certain aspects feel unrealistic.

Common Complaints

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

• Alice critiques: "How could the main character fall in love with Roma in just two days? If she lacked relationship experience, it might be understandable, but in this case, it’s just foolishness."

• Mikhail takes issue with the casting: "Why cast actors in their late twenties to play teenagers? It’s absurd. Can't they find actual teens for the roles?"

• Some audience members feel that the series appears artificial. Alena points out: "The affluent characters seem far removed from genuine rich teenagers, and their surroundings lack authenticity."

Comparing to Other Productions

Certain viewers have drawn comparisons between "Chewing Gum" and other films and series, highlighting similar themes. For instance, Alena likened it to classic movies on challenging teenage experiences, such as "Wild Love" (1993) and "Chuchelo".

Series Highlights

• Modern Interpretation: The series adapts to the realities of the 2020s, incorporating issues like social media, digital manipulation, and toxic relationships.
• Musical Score: Many viewers, like Nazar Pogoreltsev, praise the soundtrack, noting its catchiness and how it complements the series' atmosphere.

A Contradictory Protagonist

The main character, Galya, elicits a wide range of emotions, capturing audience sympathy in some contexts while triggering irritation in others.

Positive Feedback

• Alena: "The actress nails her role. Despite the complexity of her actions, the character feels believable."
• Stepan: "Galya epitomizes modern teens searching for their identity in today’s world."

Criticism

• Evgenia: "Galya’s behavior can be both illogical and grating. I can’t fathom how one date could elicit such behavior."
• Maria: "Her actions in the sixth episode infuriated me. It's hard to grasp the character's motivation."

Season Finale: Viewer Reactions

The climactic seventh episode garnered particular intrigue. Evgeniy remarked that "things finally heated up!" reigniting interest in the series. Many fans now eagerly anticipate the next installment.

Finale

"Chewing Gum" has emerged as one of the most talked-about projects of the year. Its unique narrative, social commentary, and emotional tension make it intriguing for a specific audience. However, the critiques surrounding plot inconsistencies and casting decisions indicate that the creators have room for improvement.

Nonetheless, "Chewing Gum" is a series that evokes strong reactions, captivating certain viewers while provoking discussions among others about its faults. This means the show is fulfilling its fundamental purpose — capturing attention.