I've always wanted to be in my thriller era

Keira Knightley tells LYNN RUSK why her latest lead role as an investigative journalist in The Woman in Cabin 10 is a teenage dream come true

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KEIRA Knightley, who rose to fame in early-2000s films such as Bend It Like Beckham, Pirates of the Caribbean and Pride & Prejudice, has entered a new thriller era - and she's thrilled about it.

In recent years, the 40-year-old actress has portrayed an Iraq War whistle-blower in Official Secrets, a 1960s reporter hunting a serial killer in Boston Strangler, and a professional spy in the TV series Black Doves.

Now, the two-time Oscar nominee takes the lead in The Woman in Cabin 10, Simon Stone's adaptation of Ruth Ware’s 2016 bestselling novel.

Keira stars as Laura “Lo” Blacklock, an investigative journalist sent aboard a luxury superyacht to report on a billionaire with secrets to hide, played by Guy Pearce.

One night, Lo witnesses a passenger being thrown overboard, only to be told it never happened, as every guest and crew member is accounted for.

With no one believing her, including fellow passengers portrayed by Hannah Waddingham, Daniel Ings, and Kaya Scodelario, she continues to search for the truth, putting her own life in jeopardy.

“I’ve always wanted to be in my thriller era,” Keira smiles gleefully. “I'm in the era of doing the kind of stuff I dreamed about as a teenager but never had the chance to try back then.

“Now I'm finally getting to do it all, and my inner teenager is just like, ‘Cool.”

Keira says she was drawn to the role because her character is so brave and strong.

“I think right now people are having to be very strong and very brave, and that’s what I find interesting about this character,” Keira explains.