Imagine boarding a glamorous luxury yacht – the kind of setting you’d expect for champagne toasts, sweeping ocean vistas and influencer-worthy selfies. Only, instead of a dream getaway, you get a chilling nightmare. In the highly anticipated adaptation of The Woman in Cabin 10, streaming now on Netflix, journalist “Lo” Blacklock is drawn into a hypnotic world of deception, one false identity and one impossible disappearance away from collapse.
As she fights the creeping tide of disbelief around her, one question keeps echoing beneath the surface: what are people willing to sacrifice to hide the truth? Among the tangled loyalties and frantic cover-ups, one character’s ultimate fate becomes the dark linchpin of the mystery, offering a heartbreaking turn no one saw coming. Read on for everything viewers need to know about The Woman in Cabin 10‘s cast, budget and the shocking truth about Ben.
A closer look at the cast of ‘The Woman in Cabin 10’
The Netflix thriller features Keira Knightley as Laura “Lo” Blacklock. She plays an investigative journalist covering a luxury yacht voyage that spirals into chaos. Meanwhile, Guy Pearce plays Richard Bullmer, the charismatic but dangerous yacht owner. He’s married to Norwegian heiress Anne Lyngstad, portrayed by Lisa Loven Kongsli. Knightley brings depth to Lo’s trauma and determination. In contrast, Pearce delivers a chilling performance as a man willing to murder for wealth.
David Ajala stars as Ben Morgan, Lo’s ex-boyfriend and the ship’s photographer. Per Cosmopolitan, his moral compass draws him into deadly danger. The supporting cast includes Hannah Waddingham as gallerist Heidi Phillips and Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Rowan, Lo’s colleague at The Guardian. Additionally, Gitte Witt portrays the mysterious woman from the titular cabin. Her identity drives the story’s haunting twist.
What was the Netflix original’s budget?
According to What’s on Netflix, The Woman in Cabin 10 (which was filmed in late 2024) had a reported production budget of around $21 million. Though modest for a Netflix feature, the cost rose significantly, as filmmakers decided to shoot aboard the real-life superyacht Savannah. They rented it for roughly $1 million per week, replacing a soundstage set. Consequently, it offered an authentic backdrop for the film’s claustrophobic tension and realistic water sequences.
As reported by Town and Country Magazine, principal photography took place on the Isle of Portland in Dorset, England. Additionally, scenes were filmed in the Scottish Highlands and Norwegian fjords. The Savannah, (a $150 million hybrid yacht built by Dutch shipyard Feadship, according to Mega Yacht News), provided the sleek setting. It served as a fictional representation of the Aurora Borealis, adding visual credibility.
However, it challenged the cast and crew with constant motion, narrow interiors and unpredictable weather in the English Channel. Director Simon Stone told Tudum that filming on an actual superyacht created unique restrictions. For instance, the crew couldn’t eat, drink, or touch walls during takes to protect the expensive vessel.
Is ‘The Woman in Cabin 10’ based on a true story?
No, The Woman in Cabin 10 is not based on a true story. The Netflix film adapts Ruth Ware’s bestselling psychological thriller novel, as noted by The Hollywood Reporter. Ware drew inspiration from classic locked-room mysteries and Agatha Christie’s style rather than real events. She has even cited authors like Christie and Paula Hawkins as major influences on her writing approach.
The story draws on universal fears about not being believed, while exploring the consequences of being trapped in dangerous situations. Additionally, it examines the corrupting influence of extreme wealth. While the plot is fictional, Ware crafted the narrative to feel psychologically authentic. The themes of gaslighting and women’s credibility being questioned resonate with real experiences many face. The author spent years developing the story’s claustrophobic yacht setting. She perfected the psychological tension that comes from witnessing a crime that others deny happened.
Does Ben die? Who was the killer?
Yes, Ben dies in Cabin 10 during a heroic rescue attempt. He tries to save Lo from Dr. Mehta and Captain Addis. Unfortunately, Time notes that Ben receives an injection of the same lethal medication Mehta planned to use on Lo before dying in her arms. This moment cements his redemption arc. Moreover, it exposes the true extent of the conspiracy, galvanizing Lo to expose Richard’s crimes publicly. Ultimately, his sacrifice becomes the emotional core of the film’s climax.
Richard Bullmer orchestrates the entire conspiracy. He murdered his wife, Anne, and replaced her with Carrie, a doppelgänger. Richard discovered Carrie through facial recognition software created by Lars Jensen. His motive centered on seizing Anne’s fortune, seeking control before her death from terminal illness. Additionally, he aimed to prevent her from donating everything to charity. Dr. Mehta and Captain Addis assisted in the cover-up by faking Anne’s survival.
Ultimately, they planned to eliminate Lo and Ben once the deception unraveled. The Woman in Cabin 10‘s climax sees Lo confronting Richard during a lavish gala in Norway. She kills him in self-defense. Meanwhile, authorities arrest Mehta and Addis for their involvement in the plot and Ben’s death.
How does ‘The Woman in Cabin 10’ book end?
Ruth Ware’s 2016 novel concludes on a quieter, more reflective note. In the book, Lo escapes the yacht. She hides on a Norwegian farm until she contacts the British consulate. Later, authorities revealed that Richard died from a gunshot wound, per Slash Film. This implies Carrie killed him before escaping with Lo’s help. Subsequently, Carrie secretly wires Lo money, confirming she survived.
As The Wrap points out, the Netflix adaptation amplifies the action for contemporary audiences. After Lo swims to shore through freezing waters, she surprises everyone, arriving at the gala despite being presumed dead. Then, she exposes Richard’s crimes to the public. Afterward, she kills him during a violent struggle. The movie ends with Lo back at work, writing an exposé honoring Anne’s philanthropy and Ben’s heroism.
One significant difference between the book and the Netflix adaptation is that Ben dies in the latter, whereas the book takes a different approach to his character’s fate. Meanwhile, Carrie sends Lo a heartfelt video message from a safe location with her daughter. This closes the story on a note of hope rather than despair, also giving Lo more agency. As a result, they create a more satisfying conclusion for viewers expecting justice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What yacht was used in The Woman in Cabin 10?
The film was shot aboard Savannah, a 274-foot luxury yacht built by Feadship, valued at roughly $150 million. It features six guest suites, a spa, and a glass-walled underwater lounge. Additionally, it boasts an eco-friendly hybrid propulsion system. This saves about 30 percent in fuel compared to traditional yachts of similar size.
Is there a second book to The Woman in Cabin 10?
Yes. Ruth Ware released The Woman in Suite 11 in July 2025. The novel brings Lo Blacklock back for a new mystery. Now she lives in New York with her husband, Judah, and their two children. Lo attends the grand opening of a Swiss luxury hotel. However, she discovers several guests linked to her traumatic voyage. The sequel explores how Lo copes with PTSD while trying to revive her journalism career.