With a superb cast, a solid screenplay, and excellent source material to adapt from, Netflix’s The Woman in Cabin 10 has all the markings of a sharp thriller, but it unfortunately falls flat. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly where it all goes wrong when it’s a relatively decent film to watch, but it’s almost as if it stays solely in the shallow end, never quite dipping its toes into something deeper and bigger.
Quite frankly, I expected it to be more terrifying. And if not terrifying by the standard definition, then at least something more akin to The Menu or Fresh. It’s missing the right level of spark to ensure that it’d be a more memorable film as opposed to a thriller you watch once and never think about again. And when Keira Knightley is leading a role that also stars the legendary Hannah Waddingham, those are heartbreaking words to write because this movie should’ve been something I’d want on rotation. It should’ve been exceptional on all fronts.
One of the factors that could’ve allowed this to come to pass was the setting itself. A movie like Clue, for instance, would’ve fumbled if the mansion itself wasn’t such a stunning character. If the location is somewhere we want to be, then it automatically helps make the film more gripping. It keeps us fully locked in and adds an emotional layer that touches upon the character journeys as well. Yet when it comes to The Woman in Cabin 10, the yacht itself is so dreary that the only thing keeping our attention is the actors on screen. And that alone matters significantly, but the setting has to work as well for it to feel fully formed.
Still, the performances matter here, and make no mistake in thinking they aren’t worthy. Starring Keira Knightley, Hannah Waddingham, Guy Pearce, Lisa Loven Kongsli, David Ajala, Daniel Ings, Paul Kaye, Kaya Scodelario, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and more, it’s every actor’s work that ensures that the film is watchable. They each bring their best to the characters, adding layers and depth in the very limited screen time we have with them. If nothing else, if you’re a fan of the actors, then it’s fascinating to watch them. While the story itself might not be everyone’s cup of tea, the performances are undeniably outstanding.
It’s also worth noting that, really, the narrative is pretty decent, too. As someone who hasn’t read the book, I was pleasantly surprised by the plot twist and the execution of it. Rarely do I get a prediction wrong in this vein, so being completely shocked by the turn of events is also a mark that’s worth the brownie points. Still, and again, if only there were just a bit more of that thriller spice to give it the magnetism necessary.
I’m a firm believer that there’s no such thing as the worst movie ever made—unless there’s AI and stealing involved, then, absolutely, 100% the worst, no thank you—but while The Woman in Cabin 10 isn’t extraordinary, it’s not a complete flop either.
The Woman in Cabin 10 is now streaming on Netflix.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Netflix