Anna Daniels
A Divergence in Perspectives
Kristen Stewart, renowned for her role in Twilight, has ventured into new territory with her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, which was unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2025. Adapting the unflinching memoir of Lidia Yuknavitch, the film delves into themes of trauma, addiction, and personal transformation with a powerful intensity that has left both critics and viewers in awe. While some herald it as a groundbreaking achievement, others see it as a disjointed endeavor. Like a swimmer in turbulent waters, Stewart’s first film draws you in, but not everyone may find a safe return.
A Daring Perspective, Varied Responses
Stewart’s decision to direct The Chronology of Water (IMDb) represents a bold departure from her acting background. Filmed using 16mm, the movie’s fragmented storytelling and striking imagery aspire for a poetic depth, with water signifying both havoc and healing. IndieWire (IndieWire Review) awarded it a B+, commending its “fearless” break from norms, while Variety (Variety Review) found it “artful and engaging,” likening its style to The Tree of Life. TheWrap (TheWrap Review) described it as “boldly assured,” and Time Out (Time Out Review) rated it 4/5 stars for its “languid and resonant” tone.
Nevertheless, not all critics were won over. Vanity Fair (Vanity Fair Review) suggested the film holds its source material in too high regard, perceiving it more as an “academic examination” than an emotionally resonant narrative, recommending that viewers start with the memoir. Screen Daily (Screen Daily Review) critiqued the film’s lengthy 128-minute span, calling its repetitive nature “tedious,” while The Guardian (Guardian Review) noted it to be “jagged yet engaging,” recognizing its intensity but questioning its overall coherence. It’s as if Stewart dove into the depths of avant-garde cinema, only to realize some critics prefer shallow narratives.
| Source | Mood | Score | Highlights | Critiques |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IndieWire | Confrontational, intense | B+ | Fearless, defies norms | Overwhelming intensity |
| TheWrap | Raw, evocative | Overall positive | Boldly assured, best Poots performance | Disturbing themes |
| Time Out | Poetic, challenging | 4/5 stars | Emotionally intense, poetic exploration | Lengthy, repetitive |
| Variety | Poetic, fervent | Overall positive | Artful, captivating, radiant performance by Poots | No significant drawbacks noted |
| Vanity Fair | Heavy, unsettling | Mixed | Bold, experimental approach | Lacks depth, overwhelms meaning |
| Screen Daily | Intense, bittersweet | Mixed | Raw Poots, dreamlike editing | Repetitive, tedious runtime |
| The Guardian | Earnest, sincere | Mixed | Compelling, heartfelt Poots | Disjointed, lacks clarity |
The Core of the Narrative
The Chronology of Water chronicles Lidia Yuknavitch’s journey, brought to life by Imogen Poots, through a harrowing landscape of abuse, addiction, and self-realization. Her traumatic upbringing, marked by sexual exploitation, and a potential swimming career marred by addiction, showcase a tale of resilience. Writing, with guidance from mentor Ken Kesey (Jim Belushi), becomes her sanctuary, transforming her anguish into art. The film’s disjointed style, paired with rapid time shifts and ethereal imagery, reflects Lidia’s fragmented mental state. Water, serving as a crucial symbol, represents destruction in her past while embodying rejuvenation in her recovery.
Poots’ portrayal serves as the bedrock of the film. Screen Daily (Screen Daily Review) describes her as “raw, fierce, and vulnerable,” while Variety (Variety Review) commends her “radiant” intensity. Even amidst critical reviews, such as Vanity Fair (Vanity Fair Review), her unwavering commitment receives praise, despite the script’s sparse dialogue limiting her role’s breadth.
Cannes, known for its daring cinematic works, amplified the film’s resonance. A 6.5-minute ovation (Deadline Ovation) reflected audience enthusiasm, yet the split opinion echoes the festival’s preference for bold art. Stewart has hinted at submitting a rough version (Deadline Ovation), with plans for refinement post-festival to address some critiques.
Significance of the Film
Stewart’s debut is not just a film; it’s an assertion of her artistic identity. Transitioning from actress to director and tackling such a heartfelt memoir as Yuknavitch’s, she positions herself as an innovator in a conservative industry regarding new filmmakers. The film’s portrayal of female trauma and resilience, as highlighted by Time Out (Time Out Review), “challenges female shame” and reinterprets “bodies as battlegrounds” through artistry. This resonates profoundly during a cultural moment that values authentic narratives.
However, the diverse critiques underscore a central conflict: artistic vision versus audience accessibility. While TheWrap (TheWrap Review) characterizes it as a “cinematic poem,” Screen Daily (Screen Daily Review) cautions that its length may test viewers’ endurance. Stewart’s 16mm style and unconventional narrative choices, though fresh, may alienate those seeking more straightforward storytelling. It’s a high-stakes balancing act—invigorating for some, draining for others.
Final Thoughts
The Chronology of Water presents a dichotomy: a film that both excels and falters, often simultaneously. Stewart’s creative vision, combined with Poots’ compelling performance, creates an intriguing debut, yet its experimental nature may leave some critics unsatisfied. As Stewart heads back for further editing, a more concise version might close the gap between differing opinions. For now, it’s a film that invites polarized responses—be it admiration or disdain, or perhaps a mixture of both. So, is it brilliance or miscalculation? Dive in and make your own judgment.
