The Chronology of Water marks a powerful milestone as Kristen Stewart steps behind the camera for her feature directorial debut. After stunning audiences at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival with a six-and-a-half-minute standing ovation, this biographical drama is set to captivate viewers nationwide.
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Kristen Stewart Release Date and Where to Watch
The Forge will release the film in limited theaters across New York and Los Angeles on December 5, 2025, followed by a nationwide expansion on January 9, 2026. This strategic awards-season release positions the film perfectly for Oscar consideration at the 2026 Academy Awards.
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Kristen Stewart |
| Lead Actress | Imogen Poots as Lidia Yuknavitch |
| Limited Release | December 5, 2025 |
| Wide Release | January 9, 2026 |
| Runtime | 128 minutes |
| Cannes Premiere | May 16, 2025 |
| Rotten Tomatoes | 93% Fresh |
Cast and Characters
Imogen Poots delivers what critics are calling a career-defining performance as author Lidia Yuknavitch. The supporting ensemble includes:
- Thora Birch as Claudia
- Tom Sturridge as Kevin
- Jim Belushi as legendary writer Ken Kesey
- Susannah Flood as Dorothy
- Kim Gordon, Earl Cave, and Esmé Creed-Miles in pivotal roles
Stewart notably does not appear on camera, instead focusing entirely on her directorial vision.
The Story Behind the Film
Based on Lidia Yuknavitch’s acclaimed 2011 memoir, the film chronicles a young woman’s journey from childhood trauma and abuse to finding salvation through competitive swimming and creative writing. Shot on 16mm film over six weeks in Latvia and Malta during summer 2024, the production captures raw emotion through experimental editing and bold cinematography.
The project features Ridley Scott as executive producer through Scott Free Productions, with Stewart co-writing the screenplay alongside Andy Mingo. This collaboration brings together indie filmmaking spirit with major production backing.
For more behind-the-scenes insights on director debuts, check out our coverage of emerging filmmakers at TechnoSports. Don’t miss our analysis of award-season contenders as we approach the major ceremonies.
Critical Reception
Critics have praised Stewart’s fearless approach, with Variety describing it as demonstrating “the beauty of what movies can do.” The film’s 93% rating on Rotten Tomatoes reflects widespread acclaim for both Stewart’s direction and Poots’ transformative performance.
FAQs
Is Kristen Stewart acting in The Chronology of Water?
No, Stewart remains entirely behind the camera for this project, marking her transition from acclaimed actress to visionary director. She focused solely on directing, writing, and producing the film.
Why was the film shot on 16mm?
The creative team chose 16mm film to capture a raw, visceral aesthetic that reflects the memoir’s emotional intensity and the fragmented nature of memory, creating an immersive sensory experience that digital filming couldn’t achieve.
