Ruth Ware Believes It Was ‘Right to Go in a Different Direction’ from the Plot of “The Woman in Cabin 10” (Exclusive)

Ruth Ware has recently expressed her approval of the decision to alter the plot of ‘The Woman in Cabin 10’ for its Netflix adaptation. The acclaimed author believed it was the right choice to diverge from the original storyline to better suit the visual medium of film. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Ware explained her perspective on the changes made in the movie.

The film, released on Netflix on October 10th, features Keira Knightley in the lead role as Lo Blacklock, a journalist facing a perplexing situation during a mysterious yacht trip. The adaptation, directed by Simon Stone, takes a different path from Ware’s 2016 novel, particularly in its handling of Lo’s character and the overall narrative structure. While the movie initially aligns with the book, it gradually deviates to enhance the visual storytelling elements.

One of the main reasons for the plot alterations was the challenge of translating the intricate twists and turns of the book onto the screen. Ware acknowledged the limitations of a 90-minute film compared to a full-length novel, highlighting the differences in narrative techniques used in each medium. She praised the filmmakers for capturing the essence of the original story, particularly focusing on the theme of credibility and the fear of not being believed.

A notable change in the adaptation was the portrayal of Lo’s mental health issues, which played a significant role in the book but were omitted in the movie. Director Simon Stone chose to remove these elements to subvert the trope of discrediting female characters based on their emotional struggles. Ware supported this decision, emphasizing the importance of challenging such stereotypes in storytelling.

Another significant deviation in the film was the ending, where the antagonist meets a different fate than in the book. Ware lauded this alteration as “brilliant,” especially appreciating the empowerment it gave to Lo’s character. The author expressed her satisfaction with the closure provided to the protagonist in the movie, which she felt was lacking in the original novel.

Reflecting on the adaptation process, Ware shared her excitement at seeing her characters come to life on screen after years of solitary writing. Despite the changes made in the movie, she expressed contentment with the final product and commended the cast and crew for their interpretation of her work. The experience has left her eager for more adaptations and grateful for the opportunity to witness her literary creations in a new light.

‘The Woman in Cabin 10’ is now available for streaming on Netflix, inviting audiences to delve into the thrilling world crafted by Ruth Ware. As the author embraces the success of the adaptation, she looks forward to future projects that may bring her stories to a wider audience. With her unique storytelling prowess and a fresh perspective on character-driven narratives, Ware continues to captivate readers and viewers alike with her compelling tales.