The Woman in Cabin 10 Review: A Chilling Cruise Where Every Splash Hides a Secret

Netflix’s The Woman in Cabin 10 sails into dark, psychological waters, offering a blend of mystery, paranoia, and opulent tension aboard a luxury yacht. Adapted from Ruth Ware’s bestselling novel and directed by Simon Stone, the film stars Keira Knightley as Laura “Lo” Blacklock — a Guardian journalist whose vacation turns into a nightmare after she witnesses something horrifying at sea. Despite its uneven pacing and familiar tropes, the movie remains an intriguing watch, anchored by Knightley’s captivating performance and the film’s sleek, unsettling atmosphere.

A Journalist’s Journey into Darkness

The film begins with Laura Blacklock striving to return to regular life following the death of a young source connected to one of her investigations. Hoping for a lighter assignment, she persuades her editor (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) to send her on a feature on the first journey of the Aurora Borealis, a billionaire's floating palace traveling through the Norwegian fjords. The tour is hosted by shipping magnate Richard Bullmer (Guy Pearce) and his terminally ill wife Anne (Lisa Loven Kongsli), who want to make a major charity announcement during the journey.

Laura meets her ex-boyfriend Ben (David Ajala) on board, as well as a variety of glamorous and mysterious guests, including influencer Grace Phillips (Kaya Scodelario), rockstar Danny Tyler (Paul Kaye), and the boisterous couple Thomas and Heidi Heatherly (David Morrissey and Hannah Waddingham). But the trip takes a frightening turn when Laura overhears a violent struggle in the cabin next door, followed by the sound of something — or someone — being hurled overboard.

Gaslight and Glamour on the High Seas

Laura explains what she has heard, and is told that no one has ever been booked in cabin 10. The proof fades, and the staff dismisses her complaints as weariness or mental instability. What follows is a terrifying fall into psychosis, as Laura strives to find out the truth as everyone around her doubts her sanity. The premise is reminiscent of Hitchcock's Rear Window and Agatha Christie's Death on the Nile, combining claustrophobic tension with high-society intrigue.

Director Simon Stone creates a somber, unsettling atmosphere, aided by Benjamin Wallfisch's eerie score and Alice Normington's breathtaking production design. The yacht's mirrored hallways, spiral staircases, and shimmering reflections create a sense of distorted reality, serving as a visual metaphor for Laura's crumbling grip on the truth. While the picture opens with a tremendous sense of foreboding, it loses some of its bite halfway through, with predictable developments and undeveloped side characters reducing the impact.

Keira Knightley Commands the Storm

Keira Knightley's performance as Laura is precise and emotionally rich, expressing both her sensitivity and drive. Despite the script's flaws, she carries most of the film's suspense with conviction. Her relationship with Guy Pearce's mysterious host and David Ajala's troubled ex complicates what could otherwise be a clear mystery.

Supporting performers Hannah Waddingham and Kaya Scodelario contribute color and personality, but their roles are mostly ornamental. The film's major flaw is its pacing; the suspense fades too quickly, leaving the climax seeming rushed and unsatisfying. Nonetheless, the picture maintains enough intrigue to keep audiences interested until the end.

A Slick, Atmospheric Thriller That Falters in Execution

While The Woman in Cabin 10 isn't a groundbreaking psychological thriller, it does succeed in producing an immersive experience full of elegance and discomfort. Its beautiful cinematography, somber audio, and constrained setting transform a familiar story into a dazzling spectacle. However, it plays things too safe, avoiding the narrative boldness that could have elevated it to the status of a modern classic.

Finally, The Woman in Cabin 10 is a visually appealing mystery that draws you in with the promise of danger but fails to deliver the emotional gut punch it seeks. For fans of slow-burn thrillers and classic whodunits, it's still a worthwhile journey; just don't anticipate calm sailing the entire way.

Sources: The Guardian, Variety, BBC Culture, CNN Entertainment.

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