Netflix just added a gripping psychological thriller movie — and it’s a claustrophobic puzzle

Luke Evans in "10x10" film (2018) — (Image credit: Vertical / TCD / Prod.DB / Alamy)

Netflix often adds movies that weren’t originally in the monthly schedule. That’s part of what makes the streamer’s top 10 a great place to start when you’re looking for something to watch, since these late additions tend to catch attention and land on the trending list. In this case, I hadn’t realized “10x10” had just been added this month until I spotted it in the No. 6 spot over the weekend.

“10x10” is certainly an unusual title, but knowing it’s a psychological thriller and seeing the poster of a woman trapped in a small space makes its premise pretty easy to guess. Directed by Suzi Ewing in her feature debut and starring Luke Evans, the movie unfolds mostly within the confined spaces of the kidnapper’s room and house, with twists thrown in along the way. It clearly leans into claustrophobic tension, so anyone uneasy with single-location standoffs may find it uncomfortable.

But for those who do enjoy a single-location thriller with enough suspense to keep you invested, “10x10” could be your next watch. Here’s everything to know about this movie now that it’s trending on Netflix.

What is ‘10x10’ about?

10x10 | Official Trailer (HD) | Vertical Entertainment - YouTube

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“10x10” follows Robert Lewis (Luke Evans), a seemingly ordinary man who stalks and abducts Cathy (Kelly Reilly), a local flower shop owner, kidnapping her in broad daylight and taking her to a secluded house he owns. There, Lewis locks her in a small, soundproof room he has carefully constructed, refusing to let her cries be heard outside.

Confined in the 10-by-10-foot cell, Cathy struggles against her restraints and her captor, attempting desperate escapes and trying to reach help using smuggled items. Lewis confronts her repeatedly, demanding answers about her true identity and a secret from her past that he believes connects them.

Should you stream ‘10x10’ on Netflix?

Kelly Reilly in "10x10" film (2018) — (Image credit: Vertical / TCD / Prod.DB / Alamy)

One of the best things about a single-location thriller is that it’s usually concise, and “10x10” is no exception, clocking in at just 88 minutes. That means you get a solid dose of suspense without it feeling like a chore to watch, and most of the story wraps up fairly quickly. Because of its tight runtime, “10x10” wastes no time introducing its central characters. Lewis is first seen sitting in a diner, watching a woman across the street, with the abduction occurring shortly after.

It’s a straightforward setup that leans on almost every kidnapping-thriller trope, but the movie keeps you invested by carefully holding its secrets and keeping key motivations hidden right from the start. Because of that, as the tension between Lewis and Cathy spirals, it only draws you deeper into their conflict, and by the third act, unexpected revelations reshape how you see these characters and their decisions. For most of the movie, all you know is that Lewis wants Cathy to confess her secret, while she’s trying to survive and find a way out.

“10x10” clearly knows how to command its cinematic space, most importantly, the 10-by-10-foot soundproofed room around which the entire premise revolves. But I’d be lying if I called it a great thriller, or even a particularly “good” one. It’s an okay thriller that feels like a mash-up of countless other flicks, with much of the story unfolding more like a drama than psychological horror. Still, its tension-building is where it succeeds. Evans and Reilly share strong interactions, and the movie keeps you watching because you want to see how it all ends.

This is one to keep your expectations in check. “10x10” plays out like most abduction thrillers, with moments of genuine tension, but ultimately it’s forgettable. It’s not necessarily a must-stream just because it’s in Netflix’s trending list, but for fans of the genre looking for something simple to watch this week, “10x10” could fit the bill. Plus, at just 88 minutes, it won’t take up too much of your evening.

Stream "10x10" on Netflix now

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Alix is a Senior Streaming Writer at Tom’s Guide, which basically means watching the best movies and TV shows and then writing about them. It’s a dream job for someone who’s been obsessed with storytelling since she first figured out how to work a remote.

Before joining Tom’s Guide, Alix honed her skills as a staff writer with outlets like Screen Rant and Bough Digital, where she discovered her love for the entertainment industry.

She heads to the cinema every week as a tradition, no matter what’s showing. For her, movies aren’t just entertainment — they’re a ritual, a comfort, and a constant source of inspiration. When she’s not at her desk or at the cinema, you’ll probably find her deep into a horror video game on her PC.

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