Set to premiere on Netflix in Fall 2025, The Woman in Cabin 10 is a gripping psychological thriller directed by Simon Stone (The Dig), adapted from Ruth Ware’s bestselling 2016 novel. Starring Keira Knightley as travel journalist Lo Blacklock, alongside a stellar cast including Guy Pearce, Hannah Waddingham, Kaya Scodelario, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw, the film has generated massive anticipation, with early buzz on X calling it a “must-see” for thriller fans. While exact viewership and Rotten Tomatoes scores are unavailable pre-release, the film’s claustrophobic setting, all-star ensemble, and chilling premise promise to make it one of Netflix’s standout releases of 2025. Filmed on a luxury superyacht in Dorset, England, The Woman in Cabin 10 delivers edge-of-your-seat suspense, sharp performances, and a modern twist on classic whodunits. Here’s why this maritime mystery deserves a spot on your watchlist.

A Claustrophobic and Twisty Premise

The Woman in Cabin 10 plunges viewers into the unsettling world of Lo Blacklock (Keira Knightley), a travel writer assigned to cover the maiden voyage of the Aurora Borealis, a luxurious cruise ship sailing through the desolate North Sea. What begins as a dream assignment—plush cabins, sparkling dinner parties, and elegant guests—turns nightmarish when Lo witnesses a passenger being thrown overboard in the dead of night. When she reports the incident, she’s told it’s impossible: all passengers and crew are accounted for. With no one believing her, Lo’s paranoia and determination drive her to uncover the truth, putting her own life at risk in a claustrophobic, Agatha Christie-inspired mystery.

The film’s premise, rooted in Ware’s novel, taps into universal fears of being dismissed and trapped, amplified by the isolated cruise ship setting. The story’s modern edge—blending psychological tension with themes of gaslighting and unreliable narrators—makes it resonate with today’s audiences. While some X posts express concern that the adaptation might not match the book’s intensity, the promise of Knightley’s nuanced performance and Stone’s atmospheric direction ensures a thrilling ride that keeps you guessing.

Stunning Visuals and Immersive Atmosphere

Directed by Simon Stone, The Woman in Cabin 10 transforms the luxury superyacht Savannah, filmed in Dorset’s Portland Harbour, into a character of its own. The ship’s opulent interiors—glossy wood paneling, glittering chandeliers—contrast starkly with the stormy, desolate North Sea, creating a suffocating atmosphere that mirrors Lo’s growing dread. Early images released during Netflix’s “Next on Netflix” event showcase moody lighting and tight framing, with Knightley’s anxious Lo and Pearce’s enigmatic figure looming in the background, hinting at the film’s tense tone. The production, which wrapped in November 2024, leverages its single-location setting to amplify suspense, with every creak of the ship and shadow in the corridor adding to the paranoia.

Stone’s experience with visually rich dramas like The Dig shines through, and the screenplay, co-written by Stone, Joe Shrapnel, and Anna Waterhouse, promises to balance Ware’s intricate plot with cinematic flair. While some fans on X worry the film might streamline the novel’s twists, the first-look images suggest a faithful yet dynamic adaptation that captures the book’s haunting vibe. For fans of visually immersive thrillers like Knives Out or The Girl on the Train, The Woman in Cabin 10 is poised to deliver a chilling, stylish experience.

Star-Studded Cast and Compelling Characters

Keira Knightley leads as Lo Blacklock, bringing her Oscar-nominated intensity (Pride & Prejudice, The Imitation Game) to a role that demands both vulnerability and tenacity. Lo’s unraveling psyche—fueled by sleep deprivation, trauma, and a recent burglary—makes her an unreliable yet relatable protagonist, and Knightley’s ability to convey quiet panic is a perfect fit. Guy Pearce, as the mysterious Bullmer, adds ambiguity, while Hannah Waddingham (Ted Lasso) brings charisma to an undisclosed role, likely a glamorous passenger or crew member. The ensemble, including Kaya Scodelario, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Ajala, Art Malik, and David Morrissey, is a powerhouse, with each actor hinting at hidden motives in this locked-room mystery.

The film’s emotional core lies in Lo’s fight to be believed, a struggle that resonates with anyone who’s felt dismissed or doubted. Ruth Ware herself praised the cast, calling their work on her story a “dream come true” in a November 2024 interview with PEOPLE. While some X fans speculate about specific casting choices, like Scodelario and Daniel Ings’ roles, the ensemble’s depth ensures a web of suspicion where anyone could be the killer—or the victim. This character-driven drama, paired with psychological stakes, makes The Woman in Cabin 10 a compelling watch.

A Buzzworthy Thriller with Sequel Potential

Though pre-release metrics like viewership and Rotten Tomatoes scores are unavailable, The Woman in Cabin 10 is already generating hype, with X posts calling it a potential “awards contender” and a “game-changer” for Netflix’s female-led thrillers. Critics may debate whether it lives up to Ware’s novel, with some Reddit users expressing cautious optimism after mixed adaptations like The Woman in the Window. However, the film’s star power, sleek production, and Ware’s upcoming sequel novel, The Woman in Suite 11 (set for July 2025), position it as a possible franchise starter. If successful, Netflix could adapt the sequel or other Ware novels like In a Dark, Dark Wood, following their model with You.

The film’s blend of classic whodunit tropes and modern psychological depth appeals to fans of Gone Girl and Death on the Nile, while its cruise ship setting offers a fresh twist on the genre. Its PG-13 tone, inferred from Ware’s accessible style, ensures broad appeal for both thriller aficionados and casual viewers looking for a suspenseful escape.

Why You Should Watch

The Woman in Cabin 10 is a can’t-miss thriller that combines Keira Knightley’s riveting performance, a stacked ensemble, and a claustrophobic cruise ship setting to deliver heart-pounding suspense. Simon Stone’s direction and Ruth Ware’s twisty source material create a modern mystery that’s both stylish and unsettling, perfect for fans of psychological dramas. With filming wrapped and a Fall 2025 release looming, this Netflix original is poised to dominate group chats and binge sessions. Whether you’re drawn to the star-studded cast, the Agatha Christie-esque plot, or the chilling question of what Lo really saw, this film promises to keep you glued to your screen. Set sail with The Woman in Cabin 10 on Netflix this autumn—bring your life jacket, because this cruise is anything but smooth.