Keira Knightley‘s latest film, The Woman in Cabin 10, is generating significant excitement ahead of its Netflix debut, and it has already received a crucial vote of confidence. The movie, based on Ruth Ware’s bestselling psychological thriller, has been warmly endorsed by the book’s own author, who calls the adaptation a “surreal” and “magical” experience.
Ruth Ware’s Reaction to the Film Adaptation
Ruth Ware, the author of the 2016 novel, has expressed genuine enthusiasm for the Netflix adaptation of her work. She described the experience of seeing her story come to life as “an out-of-body experience” and “really crazy.” The moment it became real for her was during her first visit to the film set.
“It’s just so trippy being in a location that I dreamt up, hearing flesh and blood human beings saying the words I wrote in my spare bedroom 10 years ago,” Ware told Elle. “It honestly felt like having superpowers — like I had conjured these people up and now they were real.”
Ware acknowledged the vulnerability of handing over her story to filmmakers but chose to trust the process. She explained that she was “very happy to hand that over to the experts” because she knows how to write a book but not how to make a movie. She praised the screenwriters and director for their smart approach to the material, particularly in adapting the story for a visual medium.
The Story and Cast of The Woman in Cabin 10
The Woman in Cabin 10 is a psychological thriller set on a luxury superyacht. The story follows travel journalist Laura “Lo” Blacklock, played by Keira Knightley, who is on assignment to cover the yacht’s first voyage. Her trip turns into a nightmare when she witnesses a woman being thrown overboard from the cabin next to hers late one night. However, when she raises the alarm, no one believes her, as all passengers are accounted for. Lo must then risk her own life to uncover the truth.
The film features a star-studded cast, including Guy Pearce as Richard Bullmer, the yacht’s wealthy owner, and Hannah Waddingham as Heidi. The supporting cast includes Kaya Scodelario, Daniel Ings, David Ajala, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw.
Keira Knightley as the Lead Character
Much of the film’s tension rests on Keira Knightley’s performance as Lo, a character who is both vulnerable and determined. Ruth Ware was immediately convinced by Knightley’s portrayal, noting that the actress perfectly captures the spirit of the character.
“She is a lot more beautiful than I’d imagine Lo… she brings that sort of slightly anxious, slightly vulnerable, but fundamentally incredibly tough, dogged, driven persona,” Ware said. “Lo is quite a fragile-seeming person, but at the core of that is a real steel, strength, and purpose, and Keira nailed that.”
Ware added that Knightley’s ability to convey emotion through her eyes helps ground the thriller, showing both Lo’s fear and her refusal to let go of the truth.
Film Adaptation Changes from the Book
While the film stays faithful to the core of Ware’s novel, some changes were made to suit the cinematic format. Ware specifically highlighted the ending, which required a different approach. Because the book is told entirely from Lo’s first-person perspective, the film’s third-person viewpoint needed “some really clever workarounds.”
Ware expressed her satisfaction with these changes, stating that the filmmakers understood the book’s tension and paranoia. This means that even readers familiar with the novel will find new surprises, making the movie an unpredictable experience for everyone.
Release Information and Production
The Woman in Cabin 10 will be available for streaming on Netflix starting October 10, 2025. The film was directed by Simon Stone, who co-wrote the screenplay with Joe Shrapnel and Anna Waterhouse. Production took place on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, England, and aboard the real luxury yacht Savannah, helping to create the story’s claustrophobic yet glamorous atmosphere.
