Netflix is bringing Ruth Ware’s bestselling psychological thriller to the screen with “The Woman in Cabin 10,” starring Keira Knightley and Guy Pearce. The streaming giant has released first-look images showing Knightley as the lead character Lo, with Pearce’s character Bullmer standing behind her, both wearing concerned expressions. Directed by Simon Stone, who co-wrote the screenplay with Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse, the film follows a woman who believes she witnessed a murder on a cruise ship, only to discover the supposed victim never existed.
The adaptation promises to deliver the same tension and suspense that made the novel a hit with thriller fans worldwide. Knightley, known for her roles in “Pride and Prejudice” and more recently “Black Doves,” leads a talented cast in this claustrophobic maritime mystery. The story unfolds in the confined setting of a luxury cruise, where relaxation quickly turns to terror as the protagonist faces the challenge of proving a crime no one believes occurred.
While Netflix has not announced an exact premiere date, the film is confirmed for release in Fall 2025. The first-look images suggest a moody, atmospheric thriller that captures the paranoia and isolation central to Ware’s novel. With its compelling premise and star-studded cast, “The Woman in Cabin 10” is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s most anticipated thriller releases of next year.
Netflix’s Take on a Bestselling Thriller
Keira Knightley is back in the spotlight with a haunting new role that has fans buzzing: she stars as Lo Blacklock in Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of The Woman in Cabin 10. Based on Ruth Ware’s bestselling psychological thriller, the movie promises an atmospheric mix of paranoia, suspense, and slick visuals—all set aboard a luxurious cruise ship that quickly turns sinister. And if the newly revealed first-look images are any indication, this adaptation is going to deliver both style and psychological bite.
Aboard the Aurora: Glamour Meets Danger
The story follows travel journalist Lo Blacklock, who is given the assignment of a lifetime: cover the maiden voyage of the Aurora, a lavish boutique cruise ship setting sail through the picturesque waters of the North Sea. The ship is all elegance and indulgence—until, late one night, Lo hears a scream and sees what looks like a woman being thrown overboard from the adjacent cabin. When she reports it, she’s told no one is missing. Cabin 10 was never occupied. The mystery spirals from there, trapping Lo in a world where reality feels as fragile as the glass of champagne she’s clutching.
Keira Knightley and Guy Pearce Lead an All-Star Cast
Knightley’s portrayal of Lo is already being praised for capturing the vulnerable-yet-determined spirit of the character. Opposite her is Guy Pearce, who adds gravitas to the unfolding mystery—though Netflix is keeping the specifics of his role tightly under wraps. The supporting cast is just as stacked, with Hannah Waddingham, Kaya Scodelario, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Morrissey, and David Ajala all onboard. Each actor plays a passenger or crew member, each more suspicious than the last, creating a claustrophobic whodunit atmosphere where everyone is a potential suspect.
A Director with Vision and a Yacht Built for Suspense
The film is helmed by director Simon Stone, known for his ability to build slow-burning tension with rich emotional depth. The screenplay comes from Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse, the duo behind several recent high-profile adaptations. Shooting took place on the Isle of Portland in Dorset and aboard the ultra-luxurious superyacht Savannah, which provides a visually stunning but eerily confining setting. The camera work reportedly leans into that contrast—lavish beauty above deck, growing dread below.
Release Plans and What’s Next for the Franchise
While Netflix hasn’t locked in an exact release date, the film is slated to premiere in Fall 2025. The buzz surrounding this release is also reigniting interest in Ware’s novel, with many fans revisiting the book in anticipation. And for those hungry for more? The sequel novel, The Woman in Suite 11, is already on the horizon, set to release in July 2025. It revisits Lo Blacklock a decade later as she uncovers a new mystery at an exclusive Swiss hotel opening.
Why This Thriller Could Be a Game-Changer
Netflix has had a run of success with female-led thrillers, but The Woman in Cabin 10 feels like it could elevate the genre. With its enclosed setting, unreliable narrator, and a cast of characters each harboring their own secrets, it taps into classic Agatha Christie vibes while feeling modern and slick. Add in a proven team behind the camera and the prestige of its cast, and it’s no wonder this adaptation is drawing attention as one of Netflix’s most promising thrillers of the year.
Expect this one to trend the moment it drops—and don’t be surprised if it starts a whole new wave of locked-room thrillers set on sea.
Key Takeaways
- Keira Knightley and Guy Pearce star in Netflix’s adaptation of Ruth Ware’s bestselling thriller about a murder witnessed on a cruise ship.
- The film is directed by Simon Stone with a screenplay co-written with Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse.
- Netflix has released first-look images of the psychological thriller which will premiere in Fall 2025.
Adaptation From Bestselling Novel
The Woman in Cabin 10 brings Ruth Ware’s gripping psychological thriller to life with careful attention to the source material’s suspenseful atmosphere and complex protagonist.
Overview of ‘The Woman in Cabin 10’
The Woman in Cabin 10 tells the story of Lo Blacklock, a travel journalist assigned to cover a luxury cruise on a boutique vessel. After witnessing what she believes is a woman being thrown overboard from a neighboring cabin, Lo finds herself trapped in a nightmare scenario. No passengers are reported missing, and the cabin in question appears to have never been occupied.
The plot follows Lo’s increasingly desperate attempts to convince others of what she saw while battling her own demons and credibility issues. The story combines elements of classic locked-room mysteries with modern psychological suspense.
Netflix’s adaptation maintains the claustrophobic setting of the small luxury yacht and the paranoia-inducing situation that makes the novel so compelling.
Novelist Ruth Ware’s Influence
Ruth Ware published The Woman in Cabin 10 in 2016, quickly establishing it as a bestseller and cementing her reputation as “the Agatha Christie of our time.” The novel spent more than 40 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and has been translated into more than 40 languages.
Ware’s distinctive writing style blends unreliable narrators with confined settings to create intense psychological thrillers. Her influence on the adaptation extends beyond the basic plot, with the film capturing her signature atmosphere of mounting dread and uncertainty.
While the Netflix adaptation makes some necessary changes for the screen, it preserves Ware’s core themes of trust, perception, and female agency in dangerous situations. The film’s creative team worked to maintain the book’s powerful sense of isolation and paranoia that made it resonate with millions of readers worldwide.
Film Preview
Netflix’s upcoming thriller showcases a strong cast in a suspenseful maritime setting. The adaptation of Ruth Ware’s bestselling novel promises intense psychological drama with acclaimed talent both in front of and behind the camera.
First Look Details
The first image released by Netflix shows Keira Knightley in character as Lo, alongside Guy Pearce who plays Bullmer. The still reveals the film’s atmospheric visual style, highlighting the claustrophobic cruise ship setting that serves as the backdrop for the thriller.
Shot by cinematographer Parisa Taghizadeh, the image hints at the tense relationship between these characters. Knightley appears concerned and watchful, consistent with her character’s role as a witness to a possible crime.
The production values appear high, with careful attention to the details of the cruise ship environment. This first look suggests director Simon Stone is creating a visually rich thriller that maintains the novel’s atmosphere of isolation and paranoia.
Plot Synopsis
The Woman in Cabin 10 follows Lo, a travel journalist assigned to cover a luxury cruise. What begins as a relaxing assignment turns into a nightmare when Lo believes she witnesses a woman being thrown overboard from a neighboring cabin.
The problem? All passengers are accounted for, and no one believes her story. The film tracks Lo’s increasingly desperate attempts to convince others of what she saw while questioning her own sanity.
The psychological thriller elements intensify as Lo finds herself isolated on the vessel with potential danger lurking around every corner. Her investigation puts her at odds with other passengers, including Bullmer (Pearce), whose motives remain unclear.
The closed setting of the cruise ship creates perfect conditions for mounting tension and paranoia. With nowhere to escape, Lo must determine who she can trust before she becomes the next victim.
The Tone and Style of the Thriller
Based on the creative team involved, The Woman in Cabin 10 appears to embrace classic psychological thriller elements while adding contemporary touches. Director Simon Stone, known for his work on The Dig, brings a sophisticated visual sensibility to the project.
The screenplay adaptation, co-written by Stone along with Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse, aims to capture the novel’s suspenseful tone. Their previous collaboration on Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe demonstrated their skill with action and tension.
The film’s maritime setting offers natural opportunities for creating anxiety through isolation. The cruise ship becomes essentially another character – beautiful yet potentially deadly.
Knightley’s casting suggests a complex protagonist whose reliability remains in question. Her recent work in Black Doves demonstrates her ability to portray characters with hidden depths and emotional complexity.
The fall 2025 release positions the film as a significant thriller entry for Netflix, likely targeting both fans of the novel and viewers who enjoy closed-circle mysteries with psychological elements.
The Cast
The Woman in Cabin 10 features an impressive ensemble led by award-winning actors Keira Knightley and Guy Pearce, supported by a talented roster of established performers and promising newcomers.
Leading Roles: Keira Knightley and Guy Pearce
Keira Knightley takes center stage as Lo, the journalist who witnesses a shocking crime aboard a luxury cruise. Known for her acclaimed performances in period dramas like “Pride and Prejudice” and intense thrillers, Knightley brings her characteristic intensity to this psychologically complex role.
Guy Pearce portrays Bullmer, appearing alongside Knightley in the first-look image released by Netflix. The photo shows Pearce standing behind Knightley with a concerned expression, hinting at their complicated relationship in the film.
As a veteran actor with credits ranging from “Memento” to “Iron Man 3,” Pearce’s addition adds significant gravitas to the project. His character appears to play a pivotal role in the twisting narrative based on Ruth Ware’s bestselling novel.
Supporting Cast Highlights
Hannah Waddingham joins the production in an undisclosed role, bringing her commanding screen presence fresh off her Emmy-winning performance in “Ted Lasso.” The supporting ensemble also includes Gugu Mbatha-Raw, whose versatile talents have been showcased in projects from “The Morning Show” to “Loki.”
David Morrissey, known for his intense performances in “The Walking Dead” and various British dramas, adds further depth to the cast. Kaya Scodelario of “Maze Runner” and “Skins” fame also takes on a significant supporting role.
Art Malik and Paul Kaye round out the veteran performers, each bringing decades of experience across television and film. David Ajala, recognized for his work in “Star Trek: Discovery,” also joins this stacked ensemble.
Newcomers and Ensemble Members
The film features several promising talents including Daniel Ings, Christopher Rygh, and John MacMillan. Norwegian actresses Gitte Witt and Lisa Loven Kongsli add international flavor to the production, potentially reflecting the cruise setting’s global nature.
Pippa Bennett-Warner and Ayọ̀ Owóyẹmi-Peters represent exciting additions to the cast, though details about their specific roles remain undisclosed. Their involvement highlights the production’s commitment to assembling diverse talent.
The ensemble nature of the film allows for multiple character perspectives as the mystery unfolds aboard the claustrophobic vessel. Director Simon Stone, who co-wrote the screenplay with Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse, has assembled a cast capable of navigating the psychological complexities of Ruth Ware’s thriller.
Setting the Scene
“The Woman in Cabin 10” brings viewers aboard an opulent cruise ship where mystery and danger lurk beneath the polished surfaces. The film’s environments play a crucial role in establishing both the glamorous setting and claustrophobic tension.
Luxury Cruise Backdrop
The story unfolds on a high-end cruise ship during its maiden voyage, creating an isolated setting perfect for a psychological thriller. Keira Knightley plays a journalist covering this prestigious maritime event when she witnesses what she believes is a murder. The vessel serves as both paradise and prison as she searches for answers.
The confined space of the ship creates natural tension. Elegant dining rooms, sleek corridors, and lavish cabins contrast sharply with the dark, cold waters surrounding them.
This luxury setting provides a striking visual backdrop while emphasizing the stark difference between public opulence and hidden dangers. Production designer efforts have focused on creating a space that feels both extravagant and increasingly threatening as the story progresses.
Filming Locations and Set Design
The production team selected several key locations to bring the maritime thriller to life. While some scenes were filmed on an actual luxury yacht in the Mediterranean, many interior shots were created on purpose-built sets at Pinewood Studios in England.
Set designers focused on creating authentic nautical environments with meticulous attention to detail. The ship’s interiors feature rich wood paneling, brass fixtures, and plush furnishings that evoke classic maritime luxury.
Director Simon Stone worked closely with cinematographer Mike Eley to establish visual language that shifts from open, inviting spaces to increasingly claustrophobic framing as the story intensifies. The camera work deliberately creates a sense of disorientation that mirrors Knightley’s character’s mental state.
Weather conditions played a significant role in exterior filming, with the crew capturing stormy seas to enhance the film’s tense atmosphere.
Production Insights
The film adaptation of Ruth Ware’s bestselling thriller has assembled significant talent both in front of and behind the camera. The production team combines experienced filmmakers with a compelling cast to bring this psychological maritime mystery to life.
Direction by Simon Stone
Simon Stone takes the helm as director for “The Woman in Cabin 10,” bringing his distinctive artistic vision to the project. Stone previously directed critically acclaimed films like “The Daughter” and “The Dig,” establishing his reputation for character-driven storytelling with psychological depth.
His directorial approach often features intimate camera work and nuanced performances, qualities that should serve this claustrophobic thriller well. The cruise ship setting creates a naturally contained environment that plays to Stone’s strengths in building tension within confined spaces.
Stone’s involvement suggests Netflix is positioning this adaptation as a prestigious thriller rather than a conventional genre piece. His collaboration with cinematographer Parisa Taghizadeh seems to emphasize moody atmospheric shots, as evidenced in the first-look images released by Netflix.
Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse’s Screenplay
The screenplay adaptation comes from the writing team of Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse, who co-wrote the script with director Simon Stone. This collaborative trio faced the challenge of translating Ware’s first-person narrative into a visual medium.
Shrapnel and Waterhouse previously worked together on “Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins” and have demonstrated skill in crafting tight, suspenseful narratives. Their adaptation likely preserves the novel’s unreliable narrator element, with Keira Knightley’s character Lo witnessing a potential murder that no one else believes occurred.
The writers needed to navigate complex psychological territory while maintaining the thriller’s momentum. Based on Netflix’s promotional materials, they appear to have emphasized the isolation and paranoia central to the source material.
Art Malik’s Role in Production
Art Malik joins the production in what appears to be a supporting but significant role. Though specific details about his character remain under wraps, Malik brings considerable gravitas and experience to the project.
The veteran actor’s previous work spans genres from action films to period dramas. His inclusion in the cast suggests a character with potential importance to the mystery’s resolution.
Malik’s involvement highlights the production’s commitment to assembling a strong supporting ensemble around Knightley and Pearce. His seasoned presence helps elevate the film’s credibility as a psychological thriller with substance rather than mere sensationalism.
The actor’s extensive experience in both British and international productions makes him well-suited for this Netflix thriller that will likely target global audiences.
Release Date and Platform
“The Woman in Cabin 10” has secured a spot in Netflix’s upcoming thriller lineup with a confirmed release window for later in 2025. Fans of Ruth Ware’s bestselling novel will need to mark their calendars for the adaptation’s arrival.
Netflix as the Streaming Service
Netflix has officially acquired “The Woman in Cabin 10” for its platform, adding another high-profile thriller to its extensive content library. The film joins Netflix’s growing collection of book-to-screen adaptations, further cementing the streaming giant’s commitment to bringing popular literature to life. This acquisition was announced during Netflix’s “Next on Netflix” event, where they unveiled their upcoming slate of films and series.
The streaming service has invested significantly in the project, assembling a talented creative team including director Simon Stone, who previously helmed “The Dig” for Netflix. Their decision to debut a first-look image featuring Keira Knightley and Guy Pearce indicates the platform’s confidence in the project’s potential to attract viewers.
Autumn 2025 Release Schedule
“The Woman in Cabin 10” is set to premiere in Fall 2025, though Netflix has not yet announced a specific release date. According to available information, filming wrapped in late November 2024, as confirmed by a cast member. This timeline suggests the production is well on track for its scheduled release window.
The fall timing positions the psychological thriller strategically during a season when viewers traditionally seek darker, more suspenseful content. Netflix often reserves this period for its higher-profile releases that might generate awards consideration.
The streaming service typically finalizes exact premiere dates a few months before release. Fans should expect more detailed release information, including a specific date and promotional materials, to emerge as Fall 2025 approaches.
Additional Content
Netflix has unveiled further information about “The Woman in Cabin 10” beyond its star-studded cast, giving fans more to anticipate as the fall 2025 release approaches.
The Official Trailer
Netflix hasn’t released the official trailer for “The Woman in Cabin 10” yet. Industry insiders expect the trailer to debut approximately three months before the fall 2025 premiere date, likely around July or August 2025.
The trailer will likely showcase the psychological thriller elements that made Ruth Ware’s novel a bestseller. Fans can expect glimpses of the luxury cruise setting where travel journalist Lo Blacklock (Keira Knightley) witnesses what she believes is a murder.
Director Simon Stone’s visual style, previously seen in “The Dig,” will likely emphasize the claustrophobic atmosphere of the cruise ship setting. The trailer may also highlight the impressive supporting cast including Guy Pearce as Bullmer.
Netflix typically releases teasers on their social media platforms before the full trailer launch, so fans should monitor Netflix’s official accounts for early glimpses.
Potential for a Sequel: ‘The Woman in Suite 11’
While “The Woman in Cabin 10” hasn’t been released yet, there’s already speculation about a potential sequel. Ruth Ware has not written a direct sequel titled “The Woman in Suite 11,” but the author has published several other popular thrillers that could be adapted.
If “The Woman in Cabin 10” performs well on Netflix, the streaming platform might commission an original sequel or adapt another of Ware’s standalone novels. Ware’s books “In a Dark, Dark Wood” and “The Turn of the Key” feature similar psychological thriller elements.
The success of Keira Knightley’s performance will likely influence sequel decisions. Netflix has previously extended successful adaptations into original content, as seen with their “You” series.
Any sequel announcement would likely come several months after the initial release, based on viewing figures and audience reception.
Expectations and Predictions
“The Woman in Cabin 10” has generated significant buzz since Netflix announced its fall 2025 release. The psychological thriller’s star-studded cast and compelling source material position it as a potential streaming hit.
Audience Anticipation
Fans of Ruth Ware’s bestselling novel are eagerly awaiting this adaptation. The combination of Keira Knightley in the lead role and Guy Pearce as Bullmer has created substantial interest among thriller enthusiasts.
Social media reactions to the first-look images have been overwhelmingly positive. Many viewers are particularly excited about the claustrophobic cruise ship setting, which promises to amplify the murder mystery‘s tension and suspense.
The film’s dark premise—a journalist witnessing a murder that seemingly never happened—appeals to viewers who enjoy psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators. Director Simon Stone’s previous work on “The Dig” suggests a thoughtful approach to the material rather than relying solely on jump scares.
Box Office and Streaming Forecasts
As a Netflix original, “The Woman in Cabin 10” will bypass traditional box office metrics, focusing instead on streaming performance. Industry analysts predict it could become one of the platform’s top-performing films of 2025 based on several factors.
Keira Knightley’s return to thriller roles is expected to draw her established fanbase. The film also benefits from the continued popularity of gripping murder mysteries on streaming platforms, a trend that shows no signs of slowing.
Netflix’s strategic fall release positions the film perfectly for viewers seeking darker entertainment as the seasons change. Similar psychological thrillers like “The Woman in the Window” generated significant viewing hours despite mixed reviews.
The female-led thriller market has proven particularly strong in recent years. With its atmospheric setting and intriguing premise, “The Woman in Cabin 10” is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Netflix viewers are eager to learn more about this psychological thriller adaptation starring Keira Knightley and Guy Pearce. The upcoming film has generated significant interest since its announcement.
When can audiences expect to see ‘The Woman in Cabin 10’ on Netflix?
‘The Woman in Cabin 10’ is scheduled to premiere on Netflix in Fall 2025. The exact release date has not been announced yet, but Netflix has confirmed the film will be available later this year.
The streaming platform revealed the release timeframe during their “Next on Netflix” event, where they also shared the first-look image featuring Keira Knightley and Guy Pearce.
What are the featured locations in ‘The Woman in Cabin 10’ movie?
As a psychological thriller based on Ruth Ware’s bestselling novel, the film primarily takes place on a luxury cruise ship. This setting creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that enhances the thriller elements.
The story follows Lo (played by Knightley), who believes she witnesses a murder on the cruise. The confined space of the ship serves as both the backdrop and a crucial element of the plot’s tension.
Has ‘The Woman in Cabin 10’ received positive critical reviews?
Since ‘The Woman in Cabin 10’ has not been released yet, critical reviews are unavailable. The film is still in production and is scheduled for release in Fall 2025.
However, the source material—Ruth Ware’s novel—received positive reviews and became a bestseller. This success likely contributed to Netflix’s decision to adapt it.
Are there any collaborations we should look out for in the ‘The Woman in Cabin 10’ film production?
The film brings together an impressive creative team. Simon Stone directs and co-wrote the screenplay with Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse.
Stone previously directed ‘The Dig’ for Netflix, while screenwriters Shrapnel and Waterhouse worked on ‘Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins.’ This collaboration pairs Stone’s directorial vision with experienced screenwriters.
The on-screen partnership between Keira Knightley and Guy Pearce also represents a notable collaboration between two acclaimed actors.
Can viewers anticipate any exclusive behind-the-scenes content for ‘The Woman in Cabin 10’?
Netflix has not yet announced any behind-the-scenes content for ‘The Woman in Cabin 10.’ However, the streaming service often provides supplementary material for its original productions.
As the release date approaches, Netflix may share additional promotional content. This could include interviews with the cast, director insights, or making-of featurettes.
What previous film roles should fans watch to prepare for Keira Knightley’s performance in ‘The Woman in Cabin 10’?
To prepare for Knightley’s performance, viewers might want to watch her in ‘Pride & Prejudice,’ which showcases her talent in period dramas. For thriller elements, her work in ‘The Imitation Game’ demonstrates her ability to build tension.
Knightley’s performances in ‘Atonement’ and ‘Anna Karenina’ highlight her range and emotional depth. These roles show her versatility and might provide insight into what she’ll bring to the character of Lo.
Guy Pearce fans can revisit his performances in ‘Memento’ and ‘L.A. Confidential’ to appreciate his skill in mystery thrillers, which will likely complement his role in this new Netflix production.
