The Trunk: A Psychological Thriller That Stays With You
The Trunk isn’t just another mystery—it’s a slow-burn psychological thriller that weighs on you long after the credits roll. It’s not a show that bombards you with action or shock value. Instead, it pulls you under, creeping into your mind like a memory you can’t shake.
I didn’t know what to expect going in. Sure, the premise intrigued me, but let’s be honest—Gong Yoo in a psychological thriller? That was all the reason I needed. What I wasn’t expecting was how deeply unsettling it would feel. Watching his character, insecure, guarded, and carrying a pain he won’t reveal, was heartbreaking. This wasn’t the confident, charming Gong Yoo from Train to Busan or Squid Game. This was a man unraveling. And I felt every second of it.
The Mystery & The Storytelling
The Trunk doesn’t tell you what it is upfront. It lets you sit in the unknown, slowly peeling back its layers until you realize you were looking at things all wrong. There’s no frantic chase to the truth—just an eerie, creeping sense that something is deeply, deeply wrong.
The show thrives on:
Slow-burn tension – Every episode builds carefully, making you feel the weight of every moment.
Psychological depth – It’s not just about what happened. It’s about why, and that’s what makes it so haunting.
Blending of crime, suspense, and emotional drama – It’s a mystery, but it’s also a study in grief, regret, and the secrets we carry.
You don’t really know what you’re in for when you start. But by the time the story unfolds, you can’t look away. You need to know how it all ends.
Gong Yoo’s Performance: A Masterclass in Emotion
This role showed a different side of Gong Yoo, one I wasn’t prepared for. He plays a man tangled in something far bigger than himself, haunted not just by the mystery, but by his own past, his own pain. There were moments where I wanted to reach through the screen and tell him it would be okay—even though I knew it wouldn’t be.
His performance isn’t just about solving a case—it’s about watching a man quietly fall apart.
The rawness, the restraint, the way his eyes carried so much buried sorrow—it all just worked.
It was almost uncomfortable to watch, and that’s what made it brilliant.
The Supporting Cast
👩 Seo Hyun-Jin as Noh In-Ji – Equally captivating, bringing both strength and mystery. Her chemistry with Gong Yoo made the story even more compelling. I found myself rooting for these two the whole show.
🕵️♀️ Jung Yun-Ha as Lee Seo-Yeon – A character that was impossible to trust, played masterfully. Deceitful, controlling, and unsettling in all the right ways.
Did The Trunk Deliver?
✔ What worked? The acting, the eerie atmosphere, and the way the tension never let up.
❌ What didn’t? If you like fast-paced thrillers, this might frustrate you. It’s a slow burn—but that’s exactly what makes it so gripping.
✔ Would I recommend it? If you love psychological thrillers that stay with you, The Trunk is a must-watch.
Final Thoughts of The Trunk: A Haunting Experience
This show lingers. It’s unsettling, haunting, and full of emotional weight. (Don’t forget the tissues!) Unlike other thrillers that end when the mystery is solved, The Trunk leaves you thinking about it long after.
✔ Would I rewatch it? Yes, especially to pick up on all the hidden details I missed the first time.
✔ Would I recommend it? Without hesitation.
It’s not just a mystery. It’s an experience.
What Did You Think?
- Did The Trunk surprise you?
- What did you think of Gong Yoo’s performance?
- How did you feel about the ending?
Let’s talk about it! 👇
If you have not seen it yet, be sure to check it out on Netflix. Be sure to also check out my review of Squid Game, with Gong Yoo.
What are your favorite moments of The Trunk? Let’s Discuss!