Kristen Stewart Premieres Directorial Debut The Chronology of Water at Cannes

Kristen Stewart made her directorial debut with The Chronology of Water, an intense and raw adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir about trauma, abuse, addiction, and healing. Stewart passionately fought for eight years to bring the film to life, refusing to act again until it was completed, and chose Imogen Poots for the lead role for her unique 'Big Tit Energy,' emphasizing instinct over industry norms in casting and financing. The film is structurally and visually challenging, reflecting the chaotic interiority of the protagonist’s mind, and incorporates emotional elements like Fiona Apple’s song “For Her,” which Stewart personally connected with and secured after exchanging letters with the artist. Stewart described the project as deeply personal and likened the film to her child, expressing pride and excitement despite its difficult themes and visceral content. At Cannes, she spoke about the need for a new cinematic language to tell such stories and highlighted the importance of marginalized voices in filmmaking, crediting a decade-long struggle and public determination for the film’s eventual realization. Her directorial ambition has been long-held and is now fulfilled with this bold, unflinching work that challenges conventional filmmaking and storytelling.