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The Chronology of Water

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Oscar-nominated actor Kristen Stewart makes her feature directorial debut with The Chronology of Water, an unflinching portrait of womanhood, survival, and artistry at the fragmented crossroads of memory and memoir, adapted from the book of the same name by Lidia Yuknavitch. Imogen Poots stars as Lidia, a young woman who finds escape from an abusive home through competitive swimming in the 1980s. After her athletic dreams are derailed, she navigates love, loss, addiction, sexuality, and her own self-destructive impulses while discovering her voice, and healing, through the transformative act of writing.
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The Chronology of Water

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Critics Consensus

Navigating a journey of emotional healing with impressive fluidity, Kristen Stewart's feature directorial debut is ably shouldered by Imogen Poots' bracingly naturalistic performance.

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Critics Reviews

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Iana Murray Empire Magazine 5d
4/5
An uncompromising debut that weaves Lidia Yuknavitch’s rich but troubled life into hypnotic poetry. Kristen Stewart reintroduces herself as an exciting filmmaker who’s out to make a splash. Go to Full Review
Wendy Ide Observer (UK) 6d
It’s not an easy watch, but this celebration of unlovely femininity -- of bodies that leak blood and pain -- is a perfect fit for Stewart, who has repeatedly been drawn to women who refuse to fit tidily into society. Go to Full Review
Mark Kermode Kermode and Mayo's Take (YouTube) Feb 6
Imogen Poots in this movie is astonishing. Go to Full Review
Brian Viner Daily Mail (UK) 5d
It's a tough watch, but on the whole an impressive debut by Stewart. Go to Full Review
Alistair Harkness Scotsman 6d
4/5
The result is a film that captures something truthful about the way creativity works and how trauma never quite leaves you. And Poots really is mesmerising. Go to Full Review
Graham Fuller The Arts Desk Feb 9
4/5
...Kristen Stewart’s The Chronology of Water doesn’t flinch from showing the indignities, the messiness, and the trauma-induced choices made by its everywoman protagonist during her rocky journey. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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geoffrey w Jan 25 It tells the story of a woman from girlhood to about 45. And it feels like it’s being told in real time. See more Skye Riley Jan 24 A powerful directorial debut from Kristen Stewart. See more Noah Jan 19 This went on for a little too long for me as it felt repetitive, but this was an interesting debut for Kristen Stewart. I liked the aspect ratio making it look like an old home video as it is exploring the protagonist’s memories. This was an interesting look at how abuse affects one’s adulthood. While a different film, this reminded me of Die My Love. Not a bad film and I did enjoy it overall, but some of this could be trimmed. See more Robyn K Jan 16 Interesting film. Very well acted! See more jesse v Jan 15 Diary of a Rebellious Angst Lustful Woman Filmed In Avantgarde 35mm Style. The opening studio stingers and the final scenes were my favorite. See more Elsie M Jan 12 Excellent directorial debut for KStew. See more Read all reviews
The Chronology of Water

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Movie Info

Synopsis Oscar-nominated actor Kristen Stewart makes her feature directorial debut with The Chronology of Water, an unflinching portrait of womanhood, survival, and artistry at the fragmented crossroads of memory and memoir, adapted from the book of the same name by Lidia Yuknavitch. Imogen Poots stars as Lidia, a young woman who finds escape from an abusive home through competitive swimming in the 1980s. After her athletic dreams are derailed, she navigates love, loss, addiction, sexuality, and her own self-destructive impulses while discovering her voice, and healing, through the transformative act of writing.
Director
Kristen Stewart
Producer
Maggie Mclean, Dylan Meyer, Michael A. Pruss, Rebecca Feuer, Charles Gillibert, Yulia Zayceva, Max Pavlov, Svetlana Punte, Kristen Stewart, Andy Mingo
Screenwriter
Kristen Stewart
Distributor
The Forge
Production Co
Scott Free Productions, CG Cinéma, Forma Pro Films, Nevermind Pictures
Genre
Biography, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jan 9, 2026, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA)
$18.6K
Runtime
2h 8m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital