The Trunk review: Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun-jin's undeniable chemistry keeps you hooked to the series, but the mystery rarely does

Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun-jin are the reason The Trunk works

The Trunk

Story:

Jeong-won is a man who hides many secrets which shape his personality. He is under his wife’s control, but since she seeks divorce, he is in a contractual marriage with In-ji. During their time together, Jeong-won and In-ji fall in love but being together means fighting the world together. Can they do that, especially when an expensive trunk related to a murder case is involved?

Review:

The Trunk, like one would expect, begins with a mysterious vibe. A gunshot commences this one in the perfect way. Of course, the limelight is on The Trunk and not our leads, at least instantly.

The opening theme of The Trunk simply adds to the mystery. It speaks volumes about the series - slow but not uninteresting.

Seo Hyun-jin is here, and we are introduced to a life we didn't see her live in the trailer released. She almost digs her nails into the character of Noh In-ji, a woman with many secrets. Her strange behaviour does not go unnoticed, but it is not new to Gong Yoo's Han Jeong-won. If you're into psychological thrillers, her character would attract you, and that's just the beginning of what she has to offer.

Gong Yoo's introduction to the show as Han Jeong-won is also something you probably did not expect. He is once again seen in a different light, which will somewhere transport you into the world of Ji Chang-wook's Gangnam B-Side. It is the hair and their actions that made both the oppas nail their characters.

Both Gong Yoo and Seo Hyun-jin's characters are not normal, and in that, they share a chemistry like none other. They could be the worst demons out there but together, they share an undeniable love for one another. It is the little moments with them, mainly from her side, that wins you over.

With this one, Gong Yoo is gifted with an ear for music. The co-relation is not instant but you eventually know how his profession turns important too. Gong Yoo in action is still the hottest thing ever. He can throw a punch and not flinch, making him one of the best action heroes out there.

No Gain No Love actress Joo Min-gyung is here and you'll be taken back to that series, mainly because she behaves like an older sister here too. Her role turns out to almost be a reflection of our lead couple.

Jung Ha-na as the other woman (originally wife) Lee Seo-yeon plays her part well. She has gone the boldest with this series. Of course, she is more than that, eventually. She’s a woman who likes all control to herself, and goes to any extent for that. It is what attracts Jeong-won to her like a bee is attracted to a flower. There’s familiarity, one that reminds him of his trauma.

Each time the two women of this series meet, is a memorable one. They constantly have the hot air around them, one you definitely wouldn't wish to miss.

In comparison, there is just one scene with Gong Yoo and Jo Yi-gun’s Yoon Ji-o but that makes for one memorable scene. The lives running parallelly take the series to a whole new level. That gives you more insight into each person's actual personality.

Choi Young-joon is back as a detective, this time as Kim Hyun-choo. Even in his briefer role, he does well.

The series gets the locations right. The cinematography is really the highlight here. All of it is grand, but like we all know, there's always a dark side to glamour. Nonetheless, the show has what gen z would call 'aesthetics' right.

There's a bold scene in the series, one which fits the bold and crazy theme that The Trunk is. The music in this series fits right in with the mystery elements. The pauses blending in with the scenes are pure cinema. You get immersed in the moment, and are forced to snap back to reality just as fast!

If the moments to Jeong-won and In-ji's wedding are interesting, you already know that is just the beginning. All that comes after works well because their base is built strongly.

After one point, even if The Trunk gets the romance right, the series misses the thrill element, a hook point that leaves you craving for more. If you hold on though, it comes back. There's more mystery to unfold, once the first is solved.

Verdict:

If you thought Gong Yoo returning to a show after three years is a reason to watch The Trunk, you’re only partially right. Although he is a fine actor like always, the series is not always worth your time. Nonetheless, you can give this a one-time watch for it is art, even if a complex one that can get too much from time-to-time.

Share