In the world of gripping thrillers, few stories capture the essence of paranoia and isolation quite like “The Woman in Cabin 10.” This new Netflix release, adapted from Ruth Ware’s bestselling novel, plunges viewers into a high-stakes mystery set against the opulent backdrop of a luxury cruise liner sailing through the Norwegian fjords. The film follows Lo Blacklock, a travel journalist played by Keira Knightley, who is assigned to cover the maiden voyage of the Aurora Borealis, a sleek yacht promising exclusivity and extravagance for its elite passengers.
Lo, still reeling from a recent burglary that left her shaken and insomniac, boards the ship hoping for a fresh start. The cruise starts off idyllic, with champagne toasts, gourmet dinners, and stunning ocean views. But one stormy night, everything changes. From her cabin, Lo hears a scream and a splash – the unmistakable sound of a body hitting the water. Peering out, she catches a glimpse of a woman from the adjacent Cabin 10 being thrown overboard. Rushing to alert the crew, Lo is met with disbelief: Cabin 10 is supposedly unoccupied, and no passenger is missing. The ship’s security dismisses her claims as the delusions of an overworked, stressed-out woman, perhaps influenced by her recent trauma or a few too many drinks.
As the story unfolds, Lo’s determination to uncover the truth turns the cruise into a claustrophobic nightmare. She encounters a cast of suspicious characters, including the ship’s enigmatic owner, a charismatic but shady businessman portrayed by Guy Pearce, and a mix of wealthy influencers, journalists, and staff who all seem to harbor secrets. Paranoia sets in as Lo questions her own sanity – was it a hallucination, or is there a cover-up at play? The film’s tension builds through clever twists, red herrings, and the eerie confinement of the ship, where escape is impossible and alliances shift like the waves.
Knightley’s performance anchors the movie, bringing vulnerability and fierce resolve to Lo, a character who embodies the frustration of being gaslit in a male-dominated environment. Supporting roles add depth: David Ajala as a sympathetic fellow journalist, Hannah Waddingham as a no-nonsense crew member, and Billy Magnussen in a role that keeps audiences guessing. Director Simon Stone masterfully uses the yacht’s confined spaces to heighten suspense, with cinematography that captures the isolation of the sea and the glittering facade of luxury hiding darker undercurrents.
“The Woman in Cabin 10” explores themes of truth, perception, and the unreliability of witnesses, drawing parallels to classics like “Rear Window” but with a modern feminist edge. It’s a perfect pick for fans of psychological thrillers, offering edge-of-your-seat moments without relying on gore. Clocking in at around 100 minutes, the film maintains a brisk pace, leading to a satisfying, if shocking, resolution that ties up loose ends while leaving room for reflection.
For those into mysterious cases, this is more than just a watch – it’s an immersive experience that questions reality. Available now on Netflix, it’s ideal for a cozy night in, but beware: you might double-check your doors afterward. With its blend of glamour and dread, “The Woman in Cabin 10” proves that sometimes the scariest horrors lurk in plain sight, aboard what should be paradise.
