'The Trunk' Netflix Review: R-rated K-drama Is Compelling In Storytelling But Fizzles Out

Imagine you live in a world where contract marriages don’t even turn heads. Where the institute itself is to be improved upon. Where you can be married to someone for a year and then forget about them forever. The Trunk tells the story of a man who is forced into a contract marriage by his ex-wife as a test for them to get back together a year later (I know!). However, this contract marriage completely changes this man, Jeong-Won’s life. The series begins with the titular mysterious trunk being found in the middle of a lake. The series follows two mysteries, one of the trunk and one of the marriage itself. 

Seo Hyun-Jin’s highly anticipated comeback with Hallyu superstar Gong Yoo has finally graced our screens, and fans will not be disappointed. The mystery series dives straight into the story without wasting any time. Visually, this K-drama looks like one of those slow-burn shows that requires your patience to unfurl a romance that’ll leave you wanting more long after the show is over. However, The Trunk is a fast-paced psychological thriller that gives you what you want early on, and yet you’re left wanting more. The Trunk is unique in every way as a K-drama. It’s not often we get an R-rated K-drama with a massive star cast. The last time I saw it was The Glory, but this show hits completely different. For one, we don’t have any of the regular tropes such as high school bullying, fraud, and money laundering. Both the protagonists are rich, and neither is really saving the other; everyone’s equally emotionally unavailable and, for lack of a better word, nuts. 

The Trunk explores childhood trauma, insomnia, and pregnancy in a new light. But these are underlying themes that don’t take the focus of the story. The central plot, without fail, is the romance between our two leads and how it unfolds. Of course, there’s also the trunk and the fact that someone died running in the back of our minds. The limited series, like any other complicated K-drama, isn’t told in a linear format. While the pacing is super quick for an 8-parter, it takes its time to give us answers. This is because everything is a puzzle jumbled up, and you need to figure out how to put the pieces together. Earlier, I called it a psychological thriller because a lot of the story comes off as if it is given to us by an unreliable narrator. Sure, we think we’re seeing the story from In-Ji’s point of view; however, soon you start to realize she’s got secrets in her past we’re yet to discover. Also, there is, of course, some usage of drugs, so you’ll be seeing swirling chandeliers and dream sequences that will leave you super confused, but don’t fret; the show doesn’t take you too far into delusion-land. One can clearly separate dreams from reality. 

Now for the big question: yes, the raw chemistry these two actors have absolutely devours. I suppose this is what you get from years of experience and wanting to step out of your wheelhouse to try something new. Both Seo Hyun-Jin and Gong Yoo have been in the industry for a terribly long time. While we have seen Gong Yoo in roles like this before, I was immediately reminded of his movie A Man And A Woman, where he also plays a sullen and reserved character while still being layered. I think in The Trunk, the female lead is our main focus, and Gong Yoo does a great job supporting Seo Hyun-Jin rather than playing her equal. On the other hand, Seo Hyun-Jin is always incredible, and there is this one expression she makes throughout this show, somewhat like the one Zendaya makes when she looks at Josh O’Connor in that one scene in Challengers, which really hits, you know? But, secretly terrifying expressions aside, the actress is the main plot, and she doesn’t ever hide from it. There are a couple of scenes where she screams and cries, and it comes from so far within that you’re embarrassed to watch, or you just feel absolutely hopeless for her. The supporting cast is great too, and I can’t go without mentioning Jung Yun-Ha as Seo-Yeon, who is just as important to the story. 

In terms of plot, I think it’s a solid idea, but sometimes, somewhere in the middle, you’re left wondering, “What is the point of it all?” However, you then realize this is simply for entertainment, and while it’s got some themes that are worth exploring, it’s mainly about two people and their attraction to each other. Early on in the show, there are some questionable choices in fleshing out some characters; however, this is rectified by the end of the series. I was worried the show would come across as (mild spoilers ahead; skip to the next paragraph if you wish to be entirely spoiler-free) anti-abortion and anti-queer. 

Marriage (and family) is an important subject in Asian culture. In South Korea, it is one of the most important, if not the most important, things in an adult’s life. The Trunk questions the institution itself and brings a modern twist to the tale. While this rise in individualism and doing things in your own time and way has been a rising theme in the Korean “market,” (so to speak) this show is entirely unique in its approach. I am actually a little bit shocked it came out at all. But, I guess if the source material, a book of the same name by female author Kim Ryeo-Ryeong, could make it, so can the show. What I’m trying to say is that this is a highly feminist satire that, in reality, is quite emotionally shattering if you dwell on it, and I’m glad we get to see it. There is one real villain in the show, but it is not who you think it is when it starts off, so hold your horses to see how things turn around, because it’s quite rewarding. My only real qualm with the show is how the ending isn’t necessarily impactful but fizzles out. This doesn’t make it a bad show; it’s just something that I personally wish could change. 

At the end of the day, The Trunk is a sensual psychological thriller that has some heartbreaking moments. The show is worth your time if these themes interest you. But if you’re looking for something fluffy, or even just romantic, I’d say you want to skip this one. Take your time watching this quick-paced show because I think binging it would make you miss some details. If you like shows like World Of The Married, then you’re going to love this. I’d give The Trunk 4 out of 5 stars.