Trunk: Locked In

'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.

A small and exquisite thriller from Germany for those who want to elevate their heartbeat for 90 minutes without engaging in sports. A woman wakes up in a trunk and tries to figure out how she got there and - more importantly - how to get out. As simple as the premise may be the execution is sophisticated. What happens in terms of direction within these few square meters is more interesting than in most German cinema productions. It's evident that a lot of thought has gone into every movement of the actress and the camera to make the minimal setting maximally suspenseful. The film, of course, relies heavily on the lead actress who is continuously on screen, often in super close-ups, and is mentally and physically challenged. And Sina Martens delivers! She ensures that you are emotionally connected to Malina throughout, rooting for her. The plot works and provides some twists and turns (which one might foresee), but it is not the main argument for the film. Here it's all about the experience, the claustrophobia, the haptic (there are a few nasty moments). Overall, Trunk is an extremely lean and, due to its breathlessness, very entertaining thriller that makes the most out of its idea.

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 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.