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.

When I saw it I was exiting with the theme of the movie!

Then I start watching the movie and it did not disappoint me.... German film and what a thriller!!! Well done! Sure there things like, oh come on why why why did you do that but does it matter. It's just a movie!!! I would say a really good start for 2024!!!

The end is this that I wanted and that's what makes the film cool!!!

Then I start watching the movie and it did not disappoint me.... German film and what a thriller!!! Well done! Sure there things like, oh come on why why why did you do that but does it matter. It's just a movie!!! I would say a really good start for 2024!!!

Medical student Malina (Sina MARTENS) finds herself trapped in the trunk of a car. She and her boyfriend (Artyom GILZ), with whom she was traveling around the world, were overwhelmed at a rest stop. Malina can make herself noticed with a cell phone, but that only helps to a limited extent. Finally, there are still some unpleasant surprises waiting for the young woman...

The AMAZON MGM STUDIOS made a remarkable German shocker by Wuppertal director Marc SCHIESSER possible. The German actress Sina MARTENS, who was just seen in the Berlinale competition entry IN LIEBE, EURE HILDE / IN LOVE, YOUR HILDE by Andreas DRESEN, delivers a magnificent performance in a very small space. Artjom GILZ, who has been known since the series MILK AND HONEY on the German private television channel VOX in 2018, plays her smart friend Enno. Luise HELM, Scarlett JOHANSSON's voice actress, can be heard as the voice of policewoman Elisa.

The story is a bit reminiscent of the Spanish shocker BURIED (2010) with Ryan REYNOLDS, but is independent enough not to be boring. The camera work, the wealth of ideas and the great motorway scenes from the Ruhr area, where the German hit series ALARM FÜR COBRA 11 is filmed, are particularly convincing.

Good genre films can also be made in German-speaking countries. Financially, however, you need the funds of the global streaming giants.

It's also very nice that a popular classic like ICH BIN WIE DU / I AM LIKE YOU by the German pop singer Marianne ROSENBERG is given a completely new honor.

Recommended!

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.

"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!