Gum: A Review of Chaos, Cruelty and Mixed Emotions

From the very first frames of "Gum", it becomes evident that this is not just another typical teen drama, but rather an ambitious endeavor aimed at cramming a multitude of narratives into a brief runtime. However, the culmination of this effort evokes mixed emotions. While the underlying themes appear significant, their execution leaves much to be desired.

A Tangle of Storylines and the Curse of Limited Time

One of the standout features of "Gum" is its plethora of intertwining plotlines, all unfolding simultaneously. It encompasses a myriad of themes, including:

• Adolescents grappling with their everyday (and sometimes extraordinary) problems;
• The criminal tendencies of the tyrannical character, Kirill;
• The mother of the protagonist, freshly released from prison;
• A wealthy but emotionally barren family, exemplified by Roma, whose cancer-stricken sister and cold-hearted father only add to the pervasive air of despair;
• Issues of infidelity, bullying, and even stalking.

Such a wide array of events could have been an advantage if the show had sufficient time to explore them in depth. Unfortunately, the restricted runtime results in a narrative that feels rushed, leaving the characters underdeveloped.

Main Characters: Hard to Feel Sympathy

Many viewers have noted that the characters within this series often evoke more irritation than empathy.

• Gala Shalamova — the central character, whose life is fraught with challenges, struggles to garner the audience’s favor. Her quest for love and acceptance is undeniably relatable but often comes off as overly desperate.
• Roma (Hans Shmyuze) — a privileged vlogger who turns Gala into a target for mockery, embodies the quintessential spoiled rich kid. Instead of eliciting any sympathy, he amplifies the hollowness of his surroundings.
• Kirill — Gala's oppressive boyfriend with criminal inclinations, adds a layer of tension and foreboding to the atmosphere.

Even secondary characters, such as Roma's mother, who is disconnected from reality, or his sick sister grappling with her own battles, fail to invoke a sense of compassion. It seems the creators intentionally designed all protagonists to be as unlikable as possible.

Collective Cruelty: Games Spiraling Out of Control

One of the most striking yet uncomfortable themes of the series is collective cruelty. Roma and his friends engage in a game with Gala — dubbed "Gum" — that blatantly disregards another's feelings.

Scenes where this group of privileged youngsters humiliates Gala sharply highlight issues of bullying and moral irresponsibility. However, the show neglects to provide a deep analysis of these subjects, merely showcasing them on a superficial level.

Is There Hope for Plot Development?

Despite its numerous flaws, "Gum" holds potential. Gala’s journey, her struggles to rise above her harsh circumstances, and her quest for self-discovery in a realm rife with deceit and manipulation could serve as a foundation for a more meaningful narrative.

A glimmer of hope lies in the hint that Gala, after enduring a series of trials, might find solace in scriptwriting — a story about how art can facilitate healing and help one discover their place in the world.

End: Is "Gum" Worth Watching?

"Gum" is a project that raises many questions while leaving answers somewhat elusive. While it can be regarded as a bold experiment in the realm of youth cinema, labeling it as a success is a complex task.

For those intrigued by dramas surrounding intricate interpersonal relationships, the series might offer some merit. It’s possible that future episodes will delve deeper into their themes and characters. For now, impressions remain ambiguous: the show is captivating, yet simultaneously frustrates with its lack of depth and overloaded story arcs.

Let us all hope that the creators manage to find the right path forward, demonstrating how even in the most challenging circumstances, one can find a way out.