Author, Ruth Ware, has described the film adaptation of her novel “The Woman in Cabin 10” as a “surreal” experience. The exclusive interview with PEOPLE took place at a special screening in London. The film, set to stream on Netflix from October 10, 2025, stars Keira Knightley as the lead character, Laura “Lo” Blacklock. Ware expressed her amazement at seeing her characters and story come to life on the screen, stating, “…hearing characters that had never existed outside of my brain uttering lines that I just scribbled down because I thought they sounded interesting…was honestly just the craziest thing of my life.”
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The psychological thriller follows the story of a journalist, Lo, who witnesses a suspicious incident aboard a luxury yacht while on a travel assignment. Despite her efforts to uncover the truth, she faces doubt and skepticism from others on the yacht. Ware, in her conversation with PEOPLE, shared her satisfaction with handing over creative control to the film team, especially director Simon Stone. She acknowledged the differences in storytelling between a book and a movie, highlighting that the audience’s perspective plays a significant role in a film adaptation.
Reflecting on Knightley’s portrayal of the protagonist, Ware commended the actress for capturing the essence of Lo’s character, despite physical differences from Ware’s initial imagination. She praised Knightley for embodying the mix of vulnerability and strength that defines Lo in the novel. The film adaptation of “The Woman in Cabin 10” marks another step in Ware’s journey from book to screen, with more of her works in development for future adaptations.
While Ware is excited about the evolving projects, she humorously admits that authors are often the last to know about the progress of film adaptations of their works. With several of her books being optioned for screen adaptations, Ware remains enthusiastic about the creative process and the journey from page to screen. The author’s latest work, “The Woman in Suite 11,” continues the intrigue of her storytelling, teasing a follow-up to the events of “The Woman in Cabin 10.”
Looking ahead, Ware hinted at her upcoming novel, scheduled for publication in the summer of 2027, with promises of “folk horror vibes” reminiscent of films like “Wicker Man.” As she navigates the world of adaptations and new literary creations, Ware’s imaginative storytelling continues to captivate audiences across different mediums. The film adaptation of “The Woman in Cabin 10,” produced by Sister’s Debra Hayward and Ilda Diffley, is set to debut on Netflix, offering viewers a thrilling ride into Ware’s mystery-filled world.
In conclusion, Ruth Ware’s journey from a writer in her spare room to witnessing her creations unfold on the big screen exemplifies the magic of storytelling and the power of imagination. As readers anticipate her upcoming projects and adaptations, Ware’s literary universe continues to expand, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in tales of suspense, intrigue, and unexpected twists.