Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut: A deep dive into ‘The Chronology of Water’
The highly anticipated first look at Kristen Stewart‘s feature directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, has finally arrived. This film adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch’s 2011 bestselling memoir promises to be a profound exploration of trauma, art, and self-discovery.
A glimpse behind the scenes
In the newly released images, Stewart is seen on set with Imogen Poots, who takes on the challenging role of author Lidia Yuknavitch. The film’s narrative is a poignant journey through Lidia’s life, capturing her earliest memories in the Pacific Northwest, her tumultuous relationships, and her path to becoming a professional writer.
Turning trauma into art
The official synopsis describes the film as a story about “turning trauma into art.” It follows Lidia as she navigates through explosive misfires, near-misses with motherhood, toxic relationships, and her artistic triumphs and failures. The film “drifts in the water of Lidia’s memories,” portraying her quest to reclaim her story by writing one she can live with.
The Chronology of Water is not just a biographical recount; it delves deep into themes of sexuality, creativity, and the raw realities of having a female body. It also offers a sensitive depiction of the emotional landscape of youth, making it a compelling watch for anyone interested in the complexities of human experience.
A collaborative effort
Stewart didn’t just direct the film; she also co-wrote the screenplay with Andy Mingo. The cast is a stellar ensemble featuring Thora Birch, Earl Cave, Michael Epp, Susannah Flood, Kim Gordon, and Jim Belushi. Each actor brings a unique depth to their roles, contributing to the film’s rich tapestry of characters.
A passion project years in the making
The Chronology of Water has been a labor of love for Stewart. She first announced the project in 2018 and has been unwavering in her commitment to bringing it to life. In a candid interview earlier this year, Stewart declared that she would not take on any other projects until this film was completed. “I’m going to make this movie before I ever work for someone else,” she said. “Yeah, I will quit the business. I won’t make another movie until I make this movie. I will tell you that, for sure. I think that will get things going.”
And it certainly did. The film wrapped up its six-week shoot in Latvia and Malta in July, marking a significant milestone in Stewart’s directorial career.
Behind the production curtain
The film boasts an impressive lineup of producers, including Charles Gillibert (CG Cinema International), Yulia Zayceva, Max Pavlov, and Svetlana Punte (Forma Pro Films), Michael Pruss and Rebecca Feuer (Scott Free), Stewart herself, Maggie McLean, and Dylan Meyer (Nevermind Pictures), and Mingo. The project was made in association with Scott Aharoni, Alihan Yalcindag, and Sinan Eczacibasi for Curious Gremlin; Christian Vesper for Fremantle; Yan Vizinberg, Abigail Honor, and Chris Cooper for Lorem Ipsum Entertainment; and Mélanie Biessy for Scala Films.
Distribution and sales
WME Independent is handling North American sales for The Chronology of Water, while Les Films du Losange is responsible for international sales and French distribution. Stewart and Poots are both represented by WME, with Poots also repped by Entertainment 360 and B-Side Management.
A new chapter for Kristen Stewart
For fans of cinema, The Chronology of Water represents a significant moment in Kristen Stewart’s career. Known for her compelling performances in front of the camera, Stewart’s transition to directing showcases her versatility and passion for storytelling. This film is not just a directorial debut; it’s a testament to her dedication to the craft and her ability to bring complex, emotionally charged stories to the screen.
Dive deeper
For those eager to get a taste of what’s to come, check out the trailer for The Chronology of Water. This film is set to be a must-watch for anyone interested in the transformative power of art and the resilience of the human spirit.
In the world of cinema, few projects come with as much personal investment and artistic ambition as The Chronology of Water. As Stewart steps into the director’s chair, audiences can look forward to a film that is as introspective as it is visually captivating.