Movie Review: The Woman in Cabin 10
One-liner: A sleek albeit familiar murder mystery thriller compelled by a solid lead and escalating psychological and dramatic tension.
The Woman in Cabin 10 is an elegant thriller from director Simon Stone that centres on a journalist embroiled in a murder mystery after a passenger appears to fall overboard during a luxury cruise. Based on the novel by Ruth Ware, this swirling adaptation weaves a tale of speaking truth to power. An accomplished yet wary hard-hitting news journalist finds herself writing a puff piece for a super-rich couple embarking on their yacht’s maiden voyage – signaling a significant legacy milestone. However, things turn sour when she unwittingly witnesses the disappearance of the woman in cabin 10.
Convinced of what she saw, Laura Blacklock (Keira Knightley) finds herself questioned by the rest of the crew and passengers. She remains defiant in her pursuit of the truth, affected by the lingering memories attached to a previous investigative piece. This trauma haunts her, casting a shadow of doubt over whether she’s witnessing a crime or succumbing to her own imagination. Visually, the film leans into a sleek aesthetic of duality, utilizing mirrors and reflections across the monolithic yacht.
The modern angles and clean edges of the vessel present a curious backdrop for this mystery as passengers become suspects and the crew’s motives are scrutinized. Eschewing the traditional detective archetype seen in the recent Knives Out resurgence, we instead follow an investigative journalist whose very abilities and experiences are called into question. The result is a taut psychological murder mystery.
The setup creates a wonderful tension that recalls the works of Agatha Christie and Alfred Hitchcock. As a woman on the run, Laura Blacklock isn’t fleeing the authorities so much as she is being pursued by those who wish to silence her. The narrative is elevated by glorious twists and turns, alongside strong performances from Keira Knightley, Guy Pearce and Gitte Witt.
The film possesses a cosmopolitan edge thanks to the boat’s Norwegian origins and its cast of jet-setting characters. This sweeping elegance creates a compelling power dynamic between the “lowly” journalist and the mega-wealthy—the people who either make the decisions or influence those who hold power over the world.
“Stylish, sleek, elegant… need I say more?”
Interpersonal tensions between the passengers set the stage for the overarching mystery. At points, one might wonder if this is simply a repackaging of Murder on the Orient Express, yet the nimble interplay keeps the audience guessing. The presence of an “old flame” adds relational texture for the protagonist, who initially saw the assignment as a welcome retreat only to find that the isolation amplifies her anxiety.
Knightley is dependable and solid, playing the intrepid Blacklock with a tenacious, Girl, Interrupted energy. Guy Pearce is a strong contender as always, reminding us of his reliability in the role of Richard Bullmer, while the likes of David Ajala and Gitte Witt keep the tension simmering. A variety of character actors add spice to the ensemble; even if their roles aren’t fully developed, they cast intriguing shadows against the walls of the impressive yacht.
The film maintains a consistent pace and visual aesthetic, keeping the protagonist on the front foot as she navigates various setbacks. Far from predictable, the filmmakers manage to keep the mystery smouldering throughout – even if it veers into the familiar.
While the filmmakers offer enough evidence to suggest Laura is sound of mind, the film might have benefited from a slightly more ambiguous handling of its psychological aspects to keep the audience guessing alongside her. However, the decision to make her gaslighting clear speaks to our current era, where the truth often feels malleable. A subtle element of social justice permeates the film, with characters feeling as though their opinions and experiences are under constant attack.
The Woman in Cabin 10 is a riveting thriller that leans on solid performances, twisty storytelling and a sleek audio-visual approach. While it doesn’t necessarily reinvent the wheel, it’s an effective adaptation that holds everything together with poise. Though it could have traded some of its visual elegance for deeper character nuance, it remains a commendable, high-quality murder mystery that does exactly what it says on the box.
The bottom line: Sleek
