Imagine filming a high-stakes thriller on a $150 million superyacht where every move could cost you a small fortune. That’s exactly what Keira Knightley and director Simon Stone faced while shooting Netflix’s The Woman in Cabin 10. But here’s where it gets controversial: while audiences might dream of luxury, the reality of filming on such a vessel was anything but glamorous. Knightley, no stranger to boat-related movies after her Pirates of the Caribbean days, revealed in a recent interview with Decider that this experience was far more restrictive. ‘You can break the pirate ship,’ she explained, ‘but on this yacht, it was like, “Run for your life—but don’t touch the walls!”’ The fear of accidentally damaging something priceless loomed large, with potential bills reaching up to $200,000. And this is the part most people miss: despite the yacht’s opulent appearance, the cast and crew were confined to tiny designated areas, unable to sit, touch, or even walk on certain surfaces. ‘We were all crammed in the middle,’ Knightley added, laughing. Director Simon Stone admitted to Decider that they did scratch the floor slightly, costing them a grand for buffing, but joked, ‘That was pretty good—we were well-behaved.’
Set in the chilly English Channel, the film’s Scandi-noir vibe was no accident. Stone recalled actors’ excitement turning to dread when they realized they’d be shooting in the cold, rainy south of England during fall. ‘It’s not exactly a tropical paradise,’ Knightley quipped, ‘but it looks great on film.’ The story, based on Ruth Ware’s 2016 novel, follows Knightley’s character, Lo, an investigative journalist who uncovers a dark conspiracy aboard a luxury cruise. The tension between the yacht’s opulence and the crew’s constraints mirrors Lo’s own journey, where appearances belie a deeper, darker truth.
One particularly harrowing scene features Knightley’s character jumping overboard and swimming to shore. While her freestyle technique impressed Stone, he had to remind her to look more exhausted and shocked. ‘She’s too good a swimmer,’ he joked, ‘we needed her to look like she might not make it.’ Knightley credited her stunt double, Jessica Hooker, for handling the cold water scenes, but the underwater shots were all her.
But here’s the real question: does the film’s luxury setting overshadow its gripping narrative? Some might argue that the superyacht’s grandeur distracts from the thriller’s core mystery. Others might say it enhances the tension, highlighting the stark contrast between wealth and danger. What do you think? Does the setting add to the story, or is it just a flashy backdrop?
And speaking of controversy, Knightley’s recent role as Professor Umbridge in the Harry Potter audiobooks has sparked debate. With some fans calling for a boycott due to J.K. Rowling’s views on trans issues, Knightley’s involvement raises questions about art versus artist. ‘We’re all living in a time where we need to figure out how to live together,’ she reflected, emphasizing the importance of respect amid differing opinions. Stone echoed this sentiment, urging people to recognize that everyone has a voice that someone else might find unbearable. ‘Let chaos live for a little bit,’ he suggested, ‘and maybe we’ll find our way out.’
So, what’s your take? Is it possible to separate art from its creator’s views? And does The Woman in Cabin 10 strike the right balance between luxury and suspense? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your thoughts!
