As autumn's chill sets in and people seek comfort indoors, Netflix has delivered a new psychological thriller to keep viewers on the edge of their seats: The Woman in Cabin 10. Released on October 12, 2025, the film is already making waves for its suspenseful plot and all-star cast, led by the acclaimed Keira Knightley.
Based on Ruth Ware’s best-selling 2017 novel, The Woman in Cabin 10 unfolds aboard a luxurious yacht, where Knightley’s character, journalist Laura “Lo” Blacklock, is sent on a seemingly glamorous assignment. What starts as a dream job quickly spirals into a nightmare after Lo witnesses someone being thrown overboard in the dead of night. The twist? Every passenger is accounted for, and nobody believes her story, leaving Lo to question her own sanity and race against time to uncover the truth.
The film’s plot is a classic whodunit with a modern psychological edge, drawing viewers into Lo’s paranoia and determination. According to HuffPost, "a cushty job quickly turns into a gaslighting nightmare, though, when she witnesses someone being flung overboard. However, with all the passengers accounted for and nobody believing her, Lo has to uncover the truth herself." This sense of isolation and disbelief is at the heart of the film’s tension, keeping audiences guessing until the final reveal.
Keira Knightley, now 40, brings her signature gravitas and vulnerability to the role of Lo Blacklock. Knightley is no stranger to high-profile projects, having first captured attention in 2002’s Bend It Like Beckham and going on to star in Love Actually, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, Pride & Prejudice—for which she earned an Oscar nomination—and more recently, Netflix’s own thriller series Black Doves. Off-screen, Knightley is married to musician James Righton and is a mother of two, reflecting a life as rich and varied as her filmography.
Sharing the screen with Knightley is Guy Pearce, who portrays the film’s antagonist, Richard Bullmer. Pearce, 58, is a versatile English-Australian actor with a career spanning from his early days in the Australian soap Neighbours to standout roles in The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert, L.A. Confidential, Memento, and more recently, The Brutalist. Pearce’s nuanced performance as Bullmer—described by Express as "the film's antagonist"—adds a layer of complexity to the film’s web of suspicion. He is also known for his personal life, sharing a son with Dutch actress Carice van Houten.
The supporting cast is equally impressive. Gugu Mbatha-Raw, 42, plays Rowan, bringing depth drawn from her previous roles in Doctor Who, Undercovers, Belle, and the beloved Black Mirror episode "San Junipero." She’s also appeared in the Marvel series Loki and the BBC’s The Girl Before. Kaya Scodelario, 33, is cast as Grace—a role that builds on her breakout performance as Effy Stonem in Skins and her work in the Maze Runner series and Netflix’s The Gentlemen.
Hannah Waddingham, 51, plays Heidi Heatherley. Waddingham is a familiar face to fans of Ted Lasso, Game of Thrones, and Sex Education, and she’s known for her dynamic stage presence, including co-hosting the Eurovision Song Contest and starring in West End musicals. According to HuffPost, Waddingham "is a regular on stage and screen, whether it’s co-hosting the Eurovision Song Contest or scooping award nominations for her West End musical appearances." She is also a mother, sharing a daughter with Italian businessman Gianluca Cugnetto.
David Morrissey, 61, takes on the role of Thomas Heatherley. Morrissey has a diverse resume, including playing Gordon Brown in The Deal, the villainous Governor in The Walking Dead, and leading roles in Sherwood and Inside Number 9. His directorial debut, Don't Worry About Me, aired on BBC Two. Morrissey is a father of three, balancing his professional and personal life with characteristic British understatement.
Daniel Ings, 39, appears as Adam Sutherland, known for his work in Lovesick, The Gentlemen, and as recently announced, will play Lyonel Baratheon in the upcoming Game of Thrones spin-off. Art Malik, 72, portrays Robert Mehta, the ship’s doctor, bringing gravitas from decades in TV and film, including The Jewel in the Crown and Holby City.
The ensemble also features Ben Morgan (David Ajala), Carrie (Gitte Witt), Lars Jensen (Christopher Rygh), Karla (Pippa Bennett-Warner), Captain Addis (John Macmillan), Danny Tyler (Paul Kaye), Sigrid Nilssen (Amanda Collin), Anne Lyngstad Bullmer (Lisa Loven Kongsli), and Izzy (Ayọ̀ Owóyẹmi-Peters). Each actor brings their own unique flair, drawing on experience from acclaimed projects such as Star Trek: Discovery, Vikings: Valhalla, Gangs of London, Obsession, and more.
While the film has received mixed reviews from critics, there’s near-universal praise for the cast’s performances. As Express notes, "the film has been met with mixed reviews, but there has been plenty of praise for the star-studded cast line-up." The chemistry and tension among the actors help elevate the film beyond a simple mystery, immersing viewers in Lo’s escalating sense of unease.
Beyond the suspense and star power, The Woman in Cabin 10 taps into deeper psychological fears—of not being believed, of losing one’s grip on reality, and of danger lurking beneath the surface of luxury. These themes, combined with the film’s lush visuals and tightly wound script, make it a compelling watch for thriller fans and newcomers alike.
With its atmospheric setting, intricate plot, and a roster of celebrated actors, The Woman in Cabin 10 is poised to become one of Netflix’s standout offerings this season. Whether you’re drawn in by the mystery, the performances, or simply the promise of a good scare on a chilly night, this thriller is sure to keep you guessing until the very end.
For those eager to unravel the secrets of the yacht and see if Lo Blacklock’s instincts are correct, The Woman in Cabin 10 is streaming now on Netflix.
