Netflix’s latest offering, a ‘breathtaking’ series titled The Trunk, has just started streaming and is already turning heads. Based on the ‘quirky’ novel by Kim Ryeo-ryeong, which was only recently published, the show is quickly gathering buzz.
The Trunk, fresh to Netflix’s extensive catalogue, is drawing attention not only for its content but also because it springs from a satirical feminist thriller that’s been freshly translated from Korean. The translation is the handiwork of The KoLab, involving Australian students who took part in a 12-week workshop.
The book hit the shelves in October this year. Now transformed into a major Netflix series, The Trunk remains ‘true’ to its Korean roots with an English dub option available. It features Seo Hyun-jin and Squid Game star Gong Yoo in lead roles.
Netflix’s plot summary teases: “A clandestine marriage service is uncovered when a trunk washes up on the shore of a lake, bringing to light the strange marriage between a couple in the thick of it all,” reports the Mirror.
Having launched on the streamer on Friday, November 29, the series has already garnered online acclaim. Yet, some viewers have suggested that those familiar with the novel might not embrace the adaptation.
This is a sentiment echoed by one critic on social media who remarked: “The Trunk (out on Netflix today) is a compelling and dark thriller that fans of the Glory will dig, but fans of the book and its ideas won’t – and shouldn’t.”
One eager viewer who’s already begun to binge-watch the series shared: “Just started watching this new Netflix series called The Trunk and it’s totally my vibe! it’s got that mystery thing going on and it’s keeping me on the edge of my seat.”
An early review from NME praised the series as ‘visually breath taking’ and ‘packed with sensuality’, adding: “The Trunk’s excellence can largely be credited to Choi Seong-Gwon and Kim Ji-soo’s music. Choi and Kim’s directions are purposeful and alive. The beginning is almost oppressive between Jeong-won’s overpowering guitar compositions and the grating clinking of the chandelier in his home, the music feels claustrophobic”.
The original book has also received positive feedback, with readers describing it as ‘quirky’. One reader shared their thoughts on Good Reads, stating: ” The Trunk is marketed as a Korean feminist thriller. Part of me agrees with ‘thriller’ being its genre, but I don’t think it fully fits the bill. This is a book with a quirky plot, likeable characters, and feminist to the tee. The social commentary paired up with the quirky story was a perfect combination.”
The Trunk is streaming on Netflix.