Prolific horror-thriller writer Ruth Ware’s novel “The Woman in Cabin 10” is the source material for Netflix’s new original mystery, directed by Simon Stone. The movie stars Keira Knightley as Lo, a persistent hotshot journalist. After a recent source from her high-profile article is drowned in retribution, her return to work is marked by flashbacks she’s hesitant to confront. But when opportunity strikes in the form of a new story, hosted aboard a three-day luxury cruise captained by dying billionaire Anne Bullmer (Lisa Loven Kongsli) and her husband, Richard (Guy Pearce), Lo sees it as a perfect marriage of work and leisure. She is to write an article about the ever-so-generous foundation the couple intends to form posthumously. But once on board, the story reveals itself to be much more sinister than anticipated. 

Also aboard the yacht is Lo’s old situationship and assigned photographer, Ben (David Ajala), wealthy gallerist Heidi (Hannah Waddingham), her husband, Anne’s doctor (Art Malik), rockstar Danny Tyler (Paul Kaye), and his influencer PR-girlfriend (Kaya Scodelario), and socialite Adam (Daniel Ings). When Lo checks into her room, cabin 8, there are signs of a guest in her neighboring room: cigarette butts that blow from the neighboring balcony onto hers. Furthermore, in an attempt to avoid running into Ben in the hallway, she backs into the titular cabin and runs into a woman who has just gotten out of the shower. And later that night, Lo hears the commotion of a crime being committed, and witnesses a woman’s body thrown overboard. 

However, when she reports it, hysterically but lucidly, everyone on board insists there was never a person housed in that cabin, all crew and passengers are accounted for, and the room is spotless and undisturbed. And so ensues a film reminiscent of “Flightplan” or an old Agatha Christie ensemble story, as Lo shuns the incessant refusals to pursue the real story on board, even if it puts her life at risk. 

For fans of a mystery tale, “The Woman in Cabin 10” is plainly suitable. It’s simple and snappy, like reading an airport novel. The confined location works well for building tension, using a glamorous surface and labyrinthine underbelly to parallel the story’s own themes. And while predictable, it’s still decently entertaining to watch the facade unravel. The script falls victim to some indisputably dumb character behavior, particularly in Ben, whose sole purpose is to keep the machine churning for the next twist. And once all is revealed, there’s still another act left that pumps the brakes with unneeded vigor to turn towards a conclusion. 

All the acting is just fine. Like a game of Clue, this ensemble cast is full of archetypes who play their roles to be as perfectly ignorant, flippant, or sinister as the film’s limited story will allow. The moving parts of this thriller are subservient to nailing plot points down on a bulletin of perfectly wound red twine. On account of this, “The Woman in Cabin 10” entertains enough to pass the time, but certainly doesn’t thrill.

Did you ever wonder what the domestic life of William Shakespeare might have actually looked like? Spoiler: it’s not the Bard you met in your high school English class. Forget the feather quill in the candle-lit study — this Shakespeare is knee-deep in a messy marriage, tending to sick children, managing long-distance fatherhood, and proving that even the greatest playwright in history couldn’t master work-life balance.

Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel, Hamnet wisely focuses not on Shakespeare, but on his wife, Agnes Hathaway. She is the film’s emotional center — a strong, intuitive woman trying to run a household in plague-stricken Stratford-upon-Avon while her husband frequently disappears to London to pursue his burgeoning theater career. Whenever Will does return home, the visits oscillate between fiery arguments with Agnes and tender, restorative moments with his children — including young Hamnet himself.

——Content continues below——

Join the PERA (Personal Entertainment Research Assistant) waitlist.

The World’s Most Indispensable Movie App

The RunPee app tells you the best times to
run & pee during a movie
so you don’t miss the best scenes.

Advertisement

As seen on

Advertisement

Download the RunPee app.
100% free (donation supported)

     

Read more about the RunPee app.

As a lifelong devotee of all things Shakespeare, I was more than eager to attend this screening. I’ve visited the reconstructed Globe Theatre in London and made my own pilgrimage to Stratford-upon-Avon. While the movie is set in both locales, it was actually filmed elsewhere in the UK — though you’d hardly notice. Still, I would have welcomed a bit more balance between the Stratford domesticity and the London theatrical world. But the film’s intent is clear: this is Agnes’s story, not William’s.

And like many acclaimed indie films, Hamnet lives or dies on its performances. Fortunately, the acting is its beating heart.

Jessie Buckley delivers a fierce, emotionally raw Agnes — part mystic, part healer, part exhausted mother battling plague, loneliness, and marital distance. Many viewers will relate deeply to her exhaustion and resilience. If Hamnet gets any Oscar buzz, acting-wise, it will be because of Jessie.

Paul Mescal, as Shakespeare, gives a thoughtful performance as a brilliant but distracted husband — the kind of man who might forget to take out the trash because he’s lost in a metaphor. His pivotal monologue (which eventually echoes in Hamlet) is beautifully delivered and showcases real range.

Finally, the child actor playing Hamnet brings a tender emotional weight that elevates the film’s final act. His performance is subtle but affecting — and yes, it may bring more than a few audience members to tears.

My final verdict? A solid B+. Hamnet is beautifully acted, gorgeously constructed, and emotionally resonant — particularly, if you’re already a Shakespeare devotee. Legend has it that its TIFF premiere earned a four-minute standing ovation. I understand the enthusiasm — I’d have been standing too.

But here’s the truth: those of us applauding were already “in the congregation.” For broader audiences, the film may feel slow, dialogue-heavy, and emotionally draining. This is not Shakespeare in Love (1998), which captivated the masses. Hamnet is more meditative, more somber, and far less mainstream.

You’ve been advised.
Choose wisely.

About The Peetimes:

There are no extra scenes during, or after, the end credits of Hamnet.

Plot
The powerful story of love and loss that inspired the creation of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, Hamlet.
Don’t miss your favorite movie moments because you have to pee or need a snack. Use the RunPee app (Android or iPhone) when you go to the movies. We have Peetimes for all wide-release films every week, including Zootopia 2, Wicked: For Good, Sisu: Road to Revenge, The Running Man, Predator: Badlands and coming soon  Eternity, Hamnet, Avatar: Fire and Ash, Anaconda and many others. We have literally thousands of Peetimes—from classic movies through today’s blockbusters. You can also keep up with movie news and reviews on our blog, or by following us on Twitter @RunPee, or Discord, BlueSky.
If there’s a new film out there, we’ve got your bladder covered.
Advertisement

 

Film

Zootopia 2
Directors: Jared Bush, Byron Howard
Walt Disney Animation Studios
In Theaters: 11.26.2025

I’ll freely admit that I’m a sucker for anything animated that features talking animals. Disney’s The Jungle Book was literally the first movie I ever saw in my life and I really struggle to process the idea that there are people out there who didn’t like Zootopia. The mixture of fuzzy, furry friends with the ‘80s buddy cop homage and a healthy dose of not-so-subtle social commentary really did it for me. By virtue of being a sequel, Zootopia 2 is understandably going to have a higher number of detractors, but I won’t be among them.

Zootopia 2 picks up roughly within a year of the events of the first film, with Judy Hopps (Ginnifer Goodwin, Walk The Line, Once Upon A Time) and Nick Wilde (Jason Bateman, Arrested Development, Ozark) struggling in their now-official police partnership, bickering so much they’re forced into “partner therapy.” Their latest case begins with the arrival of Gary De’Snake (Oscar-winner Ke Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere All At Once), a mysterious pit viper whose sudden appearance sparks citywide panic. When a high-profile kidnapping at the crime at the Zootennial Gala (a celebration of 100 years since the city was founded) points to Gary, Judy and Nick give chase — only to uncover a buried chapter of Zootopia’s past involving a long-hidden reptile community. As they flee both criminals and their own department, the duo learns that Gary’s motives may not be what they appear to be. This case proves to be the ultimate test of Judy and Nick’s ability to work together, and if they don’t learn to put their differences aside and trust each other’s instincts, their investigation may be over before it even begins.

The plotting gets a bit convoluted, and the “bigger is better” formula that tends to be standard for sequels threatens to get the “better” of the movie at times. But only at times. On the whole, Zootopia 2 is filled with enough high energy fun that it works even when it’s not completely sure where it’s going. A good deal of this comes down to Nick and Judy, who rank up there with Disney’s most likable classic characters, and share such a charming dynamic that they are always a treat to watch. The movie builds on that dynamic and the complexities of their friendship and working relationship, and even runs into the almost inevitable question: is there potential for more than a professional, or even friendship-based relationship between a bunny and a fox? While it’s never directly addressed, it’s hard to escape the feeling that there’s a mutual interspecies attraction here the likes of which is generally reserved for frogs and pigs. I honestly don’t think even writer and co-director Jared Bush knows exactly where this relationship is going to go in the clearly teased Zootopia 3, but what matters is that we care so much about them as characters that whatever the bond is between them, we’re solidly invested in seeing it through and rooting for them. Goodwin and Bateman are simply marvelous, and the perennially lovable Quan is a very welcome addition as Gary, as is Andy Samberg (Brooklyn Nine-Nine) as Pawbert Lynxley, the unwanted, screw-up member of Zootopia’s most powerful family.

Zooptopia 2 is a delightful family adventure with a lot of heart and creativity, and it’s perfect holiday weekend moviegoing. If it’s not your thing, it’s not your thing, but for everyone else, it’s a joyful and exhilarating experience. —Patrick Gibbs

Read more film reviews from Patrick Gibbs:
Film Review: Eternity
Film Review: Rental Family