The Woman in Cabin 10 was released on Netflix worldwide on October 10, 2025, featuring a stellar cast led by British actress Keira Knightley. Based on the eponymous novel written by British author Ruth Ware, and published in 2016, the psychological thriller film is not one for the faint-hearted.
The movie premise revolves around journalist Laura "Lo" Blacklock's coverage of the maiden voyage of a luxury Norwegian yacht called the Aurora Borealis. While the journey seems quite altruistic, there are several nefarious interests involved, and when Lo witnesses someone being thrown overboard, she must prove it before it's too late to tell the truth.
What's The Woman in Cabin 10 about?
To provide further context without revealing too much, Lo is experiencing personal turmoil. Her latest story, while successful among her peers and fans, ended tragically with the murder of her key witness. In light of this, her editor encourages her to seek out a story that could help restore her faith in humanity.
When Lo receives an invitation from millionaire entrepreneurs Annie and Richard Bullmer to join their trip, aimed at raising awareness and funds for cancer research, as Annie is battling terminal stage four cancer, she leaps at the chance. To her surprise, her ex-boyfriend and professional photographer, Ben, joins the elite group that is taking the voyage to cover the event as well.
As Lo is indeed a fish out of water amongst the group filled with false pleasantries and millions between them, Lo is still hopeful she will get her story as she connects with Annie. However, Lo's world is turned upside down as she discovers a mysterious woman is staying in Cabin 10 without anyone's knowledge. Later, when she witnesses someone being thrown overboard, no one believes her. Lo must then use every weapon in her arsenal to uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim.
Is the film worth watching?
It's tricky to adapt a murder mystery novel properly, as character development tends to be overlooked in favour of tension and action-packed scenes that can keep watchers entertained. While this film is missing a few key details from the novel that could've helped mount the tension, it still delivers exciting moments that could hold anyone in their seats.
The most poignant element throughout the film is none other than the superb actress Keira Knightley. Knightley is well known for delivering masterful interpretations from a wide range of characters that include beloved literary heroines, historical figures, and fantasy leading roles.
Some of Knightley's most well-known works include Bend It Like Beckham (2003), the Pirates of the Caribbean saga (2003-2017), Pride and Prejudice (2005), Atonement (2007), Anna Karenina (2012), and The Imitation Game (2012). Knightley has also earned two Academy Award nominations for her roles in Pride and Prejudice and The Imitation Game, and has continued to expand her work in theatre productions for the last couple of years.
In The Woman in Cabin 10, Knightley masterfully handles Lo's inner turmoil while navigating one unexpected event after another. As several characters attempt to gaslight Lo into doubting what she saw, Knightley's acting chops shine through, showcasing her character's determination, intelligence, and tenacity.
Alongside Knightley, other incredible actors join her, such as Guy Pearce, Kaya Scodelario, Hannah Waddingham, and David Ajala in supporting roles. Each brings their own substance into characters that could've easily fallen between the cracks otherwise.
Final thoughts
I won't deny that several moments were a tad predictable throughout the movie, including the "big reveal," which can make or break any project such as this. The climax could have been handled differently, given the egregious mistakes made by the perpetrator, which would've led to more realistic outcomes if those events had been real.
Regardless, I found this film engaging and quick-paced, which are two factors that any decent thriller should have. The setting and dialogue were also positive elements, while others, such as the red herrings, were mishandled, as the tension broke a bit earlier than I would've liked.
All in all, The Woman in Cabin 10 is an enjoyable film that anyone can watch if they're looking for a suspense thriller with Keira Knightley at the front of the pack, but be mindful not to expect this to be the next Gone Girl either. After all, it is "a human story for inhuman times," and I consider it delivers on that front.
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