The Woman in the Cabin is a 2025 psychological thriller directed by Simon Stone, based on the 2016 novel by Ruth Ware. The film stars Keira Knightley, Guy Pearce, Art Malik, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and others. It was released on Netflix on October 10, 2025.
The plot follows investigative journalist Laura Blacklock (Keira Knightley), who receives an invitation from terminally ill billionaire Anne Bulmer to join her, her husband, and a group of wealthy guests aboard their luxury superyacht en route to a fundraising gala in Norway. During the voyage, Laura believes she witnesses someone going overboard, but there are no records of a missing guest. Determined to uncover the truth, she begins investigating, and a ‘whodunit’ mystery unfolds as strange occurrences take place in Cabin 10.
The first 20 to 30 minutes start strong, gradually establishing the story and developing the characters. However, as the film progresses, the twists and turns feel unsatisfying and ultimately fall flat. The story is another unoriginal, familiar murder-mystery set among the wealthy. On the positive side, the performances are solid, and the cinematography, scenery, and production design are all well-executed, effectively capturing the film’s elegant tone, sophisticated guests traveling in style to a fundraising gala.
The main issue lies in the script: the plot lacks originality, punch, and the complexity needed to elevate this whodunit mystery. The best murder mysteries typically combine a creative story, an intriguing setting, and compelling characters, qualities that this film unfortunately fails to deliver.
In the end, The Woman in Cabin 10 delivers neither the suspense of a thriller nor the intrigue of a true mystery.
