Prepare to be divided—Netflix’s latest psychological thriller, The Woman in Cabin 10, has stormed the charts and sparked a heated debate among viewers. Starring Keira Knightley, this 90-minute adaptation of Ruth Ware’s bestselling novel follows journalist Lo as she uncovers a chilling mystery aboard a luxury superyacht. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some fans are raving about its gripping plot and stellar cast, others are left disappointed, arguing that the film falls short of the book’s depth. Is it a masterpiece or a missed opportunity?
From the moment it premiered on October 10, The Woman in Cabin 10 has dominated Netflix’s global charts, yet its reception has been anything but unanimous. One viewer praised Knightley’s performance but lamented, ‘The book didn’t translate well to a 90-minute film. Perhaps a limited series would’ve been better to flesh out the supporting characters.’ Another critic pointed out, ‘They smoothed out the book’s best parts—the main character’s unreliability and the claustrophobic dread—in favor of a more generic thriller.’ But is this a fair critique, or are expectations simply too high for adaptations?
On the flip side, some viewers have hailed the film as ‘amazing’ and ‘highly entertaining,’ with one fan declaring, ‘I have no idea why the reviews are largely negative. Keira Knightley is fun to watch, and the movie kept me hooked from start to finish.’ And this is the part most people miss: despite its mixed audience reception, the film boasts a star-studded cast, including Guy Pearce, Hannah Waddingham, and David Morrissey, who bring their A-game to the screen.
Critics, however, seem more aligned in their disappointment. The Woman in Cabin 10 currently holds a lackluster 27% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with The Guardian calling it ‘soggy’ and The Telegraph quipping, ‘This thing tries to play Cluedo on a boat with too many cards missing.’ But does a low critical score mean the film isn’t worth your time?
At its core, the film explores a journalist’s relentless pursuit of the truth after witnessing a passenger go overboard—only to be told it was all a dream. With themes of distrust, danger, and deception, it’s a story that should resonate with thriller enthusiasts. Yet, the question remains: does it deliver on its promise?
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: The Woman in Cabin 10 is a conversation starter. Do you think it’s a thrilling ride or a sinking ship? Let us know in the comments! Whether you’re team ‘loved it’ or team ‘left wanting more,’ there’s no denying that this film has left an impression—for better or worse. Stream it on Netflix now and decide for yourself.
