The Chronology of Water

Play trailer

2:02

The Chronology of Water

Jan 2026

2h 8m

Biography

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

91%

Tomatometer

106 Reviews

68%

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.

Watch on Fandango

Stream Now

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.

Read Critics Reviews

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.

Go to Full Review

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.

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

Lexi Amoriello

Movie Recs by Lex

Jul 10

Kristen Stewart brings Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir to the screen with sensitivity and sharp direction, plunging us deep into her world. She drags us through Lidia’s memories, from every bruise & scar or burst of rage to her fragile & fleeting triumphs

Go to Full Review

Erin Free

FILMINK (Australia)

Jul 7

19/20

...a deliriously dexterous assault on the senses...

Go to Full Review

Gisela Savdie

El Heraldo

Jun 23

The film translates the protagonist's emotions through a free association of images and sounds. [Full review in Spanish]

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

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

Read More

Read Less

WRITE A REVIEW

EDIT REVIEW

POST RATING

Kristen Stewart

Director

Imogen Poots

Lidia

Thora Birch

Claudia

Jim Belushi

Ken Kesey

Tom Sturridge

Devin

Charlie Carrick

Actor

Lady Like

%

%

Lady Like

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Lady Like

Nyad

85%

86%

Nyad

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Nyad

Chandu Champion

87%

100%

Chandu Champion

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Chandu Champion

Audrey's Children

81%

98%

Audrey's Children

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Audrey's Children

Rob Peace

75%

94%

Rob Peace

Watchlist

TRAILER

for Rob Peace

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

Cannes 2026: The Most Talked About Films

10 Most Talked About Films of The 2025 Cannes Film Festival

The Chronology of Water: Trailer 1

2:02

View more videos

View more photos

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