Netflix’s latest offering, The Trunk, is causing quite the stir with its ‘breathtaking’ adaptation of a ‘quirky’ novel that has only recently hit the shelves.
The series, which has just been launched on the streaming giant, is already turning heads, particularly as it draws from the satirical feminist thriller penned by Kim Ryeo-ryeong.
The book, originally in Korean, has had an unconventional journey to English readership, thanks to the efforts of The KoLab.
A group of Australian students translated it during a 12-week workshop. Having been published this October, it’s now been transformed into a major series, available in Korean with an English dub
It stars Seo Hyun-jin and Squid Game’s Gong Yoo with an intriguing plot that could have many on the edge of their seat.
There are strange marriages in The Trunk (Image: Netflix)
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The released synopsis reads: “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.”
Despite only hitting on Friday, November 29, the show has garnered online acclaim. Yet, some viewers suggest that book enthusiasts might not be as impressed with the screen version, though this could be seen as a positive twist, reports .
Social media buzz includes one critic’s view: “The Trunk (out on 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.”
Viewers will be hooked trying to figure out the trunk’s mystery (Image: Netflix)
One eager viewer who has already begun to devour the series shared: “Just started watching this new 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’. It also stated: “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’s recent reception also gives a hint of what viewers can expect from the series, 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 .