Trunk: Locked In

I started watching it with some expectations, yes, with this movie I had an expectation, and it is to see more of the outside, more about her life and about her past... But no, the whole movie is inside the trunk, it is not my cup of tea!. It was really unbearable for me and I am impressed by the high rating.

The lead actress Sina Martens does a great job! 3 stars for that. And it has some realism to a certain extent, because what a family this woman has, terrible, very, very disbelieving.

And the police? You can't trace a mobile phone? Quite strange. It would have been more exciting with some action, without a doubt, and not a psychological journey about a woman's private problems.

This movie hit a nerve but in a very bad way, I don't recommend it at all, slow and boring, which makes it seem much longer than it is.

Not a long film, but one that feels like it lasts forever. Logically, difficult terrain: cramped scenario, minimal setting, essentially one-person acting. Only in terms of realism does the script reach into all possible realms to fill the time.

Malina: not a character you warm to, but nothing to criticise in terms of acting.

The driver: an unrealistic, self-important weirdo. No, not a psychopath, a weirdo!

Probably more a film for the cinema, not because of the big screen, but because any distraction at home is probably welcome, and therefore deadly in terms of attention.

After all, it's a German genre film, naturally for this reason without the involvement of German compulsory levies. Nevertheless, neither the setting in general nor the realisation here in particular is my playground.

"Trunk" throws you head over heals into this claustrophobic setting - somehow an irrational fear I never knew I had. I did not have any moment where I was thrown off by something unlogical or too stupid by the main character - and that says a lot for the usual German film already. Sina Martens carries a huge portion of this movie, and she portrays all these intense emotions and these seamless changes of moods brilliantly! I never doubted her fear, nor her will to survive for one second. Production design and photography-wise the crew managed to turn every inch and angle of this vehicle's trunk into a cinematic image. Light settings and visual language changes subtly and always motivated, but makes every minute seem like a different scene. I was stunned by the variety of visuals they managed to show. The overall story arch is full of surprises and intelligently written bits and pieces, I enjoyed, while rooting for Malinas survival.

All in all I find the movie to be a great example of what German filmmakers have to offer. What a thrilling ride! -literally. I am looking forward to more material from this caliber!

I'm not going to say I was stuck on the edge of my seat in anyway during the movie... to be honest I watched to the end to find out why she was in the truck more than anything else... the were moments where I thought the action was coming but I'd say it was gripping in a why to find out how it would end and as I said trying to figure out why she was stuck in the trunk... the acting was good there are a few twists and turns but I would never give this film anywhere near a 10... I'm not going to call it a horror either so don't be to worried if you don't like horrors it's not in anyway scary so give it a go..

'Trunk,' a German thriller, kicks off 2024 with a riveting narrative that grips you from the start. The film's simple yet effective premise follows Malina, who wakes up in a trunk, struggling to escape and recall how she got there. Despite its minimalistic setting, the movie excels in creating a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere, thanks in large part to Sina Martens' compelling performance. She brings Malina's plight to life with such authenticity that you feel trapped alongside her.

The direction and cinematography is impressively executed, making the most of the confined space to build suspense.

'Trunk' had some typical genre flaws, but I'd say it stands out for its avoidance of clichés and maintains a raw edge, setting it apart from many mainstream thrillers.

Overall, 'Trunk' is a testament to the power of a well-crafted, simple idea, and Sina Martens' performance is a highlight. It's a thrilling, engaging experience that showcases the strength of German cinema.