The Chronology of Water

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The Chronology of Water

Jan 2026

2h 8m

Biography

Drama

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90%

Tomatometer

103 Reviews

69%

Popcornmeter

100+ Ratings

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.

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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Iana Murray

Empire Magazine

Feb 11

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.

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Wendy Ide

Observer (UK)

Feb 10

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.

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Mark Kermode

Kermode and Mayo's Take (YouTube)

Feb 6

Imogen Poots in this movie is astonishing.

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Leandro Ariel Porcelli

Cinéfilo Serial

May 22

10/10

An intoxicating debut that starts as a horror film and continues to morph into one of the most ravishing narratives of the year. Unpredictable and filled with creative techniques to make you experience the blooming chaos of youth. [Full review in Spanish]

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Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

Apr 28

4/5

…the cathartic notion of personal creativity fuels The Chronology of Water; the way the story is being told reflects the inner development of the character, and director Kristen Stewart nails that aesthetic aspect…

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Dustin Chang

Floating World

Mar 21

It's a great debut by an intense artist who is serious about filmmaking and its messages.

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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.

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Skye Riley

Jan 24

A powerful directorial debut from Kristen Stewart.

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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.

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Robyn K

Jan 16

Interesting film. Very well acted!

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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.

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Elsie M

Jan 12

Excellent directorial debut for KStew.

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Kristen Stewart

Director

Imogen Poots

Lidia

Thora Birch

Claudia

Jim Belushi

Ken Kesey

Tom Sturridge

Devin

Charlie Carrick

Actor

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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
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 27, 2026
Box Office (Gross USA): $18.6K
Runtime: 2h 8m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital