The Chronology of Water trailer: Kristen Stewart makes her directorial debut with swimming drama
Kristen Stewart, known for her dynamic evolution in Hollywood, is taking a significant leap in her career with her feature directorial debut, *The Chronology of Water*. This film, adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir of the same name, showcases Stewart’s ability to transition from a child star in films like *Panic Room* to a critically acclaimed actress in projects such as *Spencer*. With a reputation for embracing challenging roles and narratives, Stewart’s latest endeavor marks a new chapter as she steps behind the camera, further solidifying her multifaceted presence in the film industry.
*The Chronology of Water* stars Imogen Poots as Lidia, a character who escapes an abusive upbringing to find solace in competitive swimming during the 1980s. However, her journey takes a tumultuous turn as she faces the complexities of love, sexuality, addiction, and self-destruction, ultimately discovering her identity through writing. The film’s trailer hints at its fragmented storytelling, reflecting the chaotic memories that shape Lidia’s life. Premiering at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, the film garnered positive reactions, with critics praising Stewart’s adept direction and Poots’ compelling performance. In a light-hearted interview with the *New York Times*, Stewart expressed her readiness for both praise and criticism, indicating her openness to the diverse interpretations of her work. With a talented supporting cast, including Thora Birch and Jim Belushi, *The Chronology of Water* is set to hit select theaters on December 5, before expanding nationwide on January 9, inviting audiences to experience this poignant exploration of resilience and self-discovery.
Kristen Stewart has already had a long and varied career, moving from child star in films like
Panic Room
to teen blockbuster lead in
Twilight
. From there, she jumped into daring arthouse films, earning critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for
Spencer
, and embracing her status as a
queer heartthrob in
Love Lies Bleeding
. Now, her career continues to evolve as she steps behind the camera for her feature directorial debut,
The Chronology of Water
.
Based on the memoir of the same name by Lidia Yuknavitch,
The Chronology of Water
stars Imogen Poots. She plays the film’s version of Lidia, who escapes from an abusive home and immerses herself in the world of competitive swimming in the 1980s. But when her athletic pursuits come to an end, she finds herself grappling with love, sexuality, addiction, and her penchant for self-destruction, all while discovering herself through writing. The trailer teases the film’s fragmented nature, as Lidia moves through flashes of the memories that came to define her.
The Chronology of Water
had its premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it received positive reactions. Critics praised Stewart’s strong sense of direction and Poots’ lead performance.
In an
interview with the
New York Times
out of Cannes
, Stewart joked that critics were actually being too kind to the film. “I’m totally willing for people to come for it,” she said. “I’m almost wanting it.”
The Chronology of Water
also stars Thora Birch, Jim Belushi, Earl Cave, Tom Sturridge, Charlie Carrick, and Kim Gordon.
The Chronology of Water
hits select theaters Dec. 5, before expanding nationwide on Jan. 9.
