Kristen Stewart’s Directorial Debut ‘The Chronology of Water’ Unveils First Trailer Starring Imogen Poots
Kristen Stewart has released the first official trailer for her highly anticipated directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, a raw and emotionally charged adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch’s acclaimed memoir. The film, starring Imogen Poots in the lead role, chronicles the journey of a young swimmer battling trauma, addiction, and self-discovery through the transformative power of writing.
A Story of Healing Through Art
The Chronology of Water tells the story of Lidia, a once-promising competitive swimmer whose life spirals due to unresolved childhood pain and substance abuse. Through writing, she finds a way to reconcile with her past and reclaim her identity.
The film’s newly released trailer teases a visually arresting and introspective narrative, combining impressionistic underwater sequences with moments of emotional intimacy. Poots embodies Lidia with a mix of physicality and fragility, portraying a woman both haunted and liberated by her memories.
The trailer features haunting imagery of water as both a sanctuary and a threat — a recurring motif that mirrors Lidia’s turbulent emotional landscape.
“I was drowning long before I ever got in the pool,” Poots narrates in the teaser, capturing the confessional tone that defines the story.
Kristen Stewart’s Passion Project
The film marks Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut, a project she spent eight years developing before bringing it to life. Adapted and written by Stewart herself, the film premiered earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received standing ovations for its bold visual style and unflinching portrayal of recovery.
“Films like ours should be birthed onto the screen,” Stewart said in a statement following the trailer’s release. “I’m grateful we found a team as committed to supporting independent filmmakers as they are.”
The film’s North American rights were acquired by The Forge, which plans to release it theatrically in December 2025, followed by a wider rollout in January 2026 — ensuring the film’s eligibility for awards consideration.
A Powerful Cast and Production Team
Alongside Poots, the ensemble cast includes Jim Belushi, Thora Birch, Charlie Carrick, Susannah Flood, Kim Gordon, and Tom Sturridge. The film’s cast is a mix of emerging and established talents, many of whom praised Stewart’s hands-on, actor-focused approach to directing.
The project was produced by an impressive international coalition of independent studios, including CG Cinema International, Forma Pro Films, Scott Free Productions, and Nevermind Pictures, Stewart’s own company co-founded with Maggie McLean and Dylan Meyer.
Producers Charles Gillibert, Michael Pruss, and Christian Vesper played key roles in shaping the film’s production alongside Andy Mingo, Yulia Zayceva, and Svetlana Punte.
Critical Acclaim and Early Buzz
Following its Cannes premiere, The Chronology of Water was praised by critics for its poetic structure and fearless performances. Early reviews called it “a visceral, deeply human debut” and “a film that drowns and resurrects you in equal measure.”
Imogen Poots’ performance, in particular, has been singled out as career-defining — positioning her as a likely contender for the upcoming awards season. Stewart’s direction has also drawn comparisons to filmmakers like Andrea Arnold and Lynne Ramsay, known for their intimate yet unsettling explorations of trauma and resilience.
The Meaning Behind the Title
Lidia Yuknavitch’s original memoir, published in 2011, became a cult classic among writers and artists for its raw honesty about the intersection of art, sexuality, and grief. The title, The Chronology of Water, refers to both the nonlinear nature of trauma and the fluidity of healing — themes Stewart brings vividly to the screen.
“Water remembers everything,” Yuknavitch once wrote. “It is the shape-shifter of memory.”
Stewart’s adaptation channels that same spirit, using water as a metaphor for both destruction and rebirth.
Release and Awards Prospects
With The Forge’s backing, The Chronology of Water is being positioned as a major independent awards contender, particularly in categories like Best Actress, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Directorial Debut. The film’s limited theatrical release begins in December, followed by an expanded rollout in early 2026.
“Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut feels like an emotional exorcism — raw, brave, and deeply personal,” wrote one critic after its Cannes screening.
Fans can now watch the official trailer on The Forge’s YouTube channel and prepare for one of the most anticipated indie dramas of the year.
The Chronology of Water premieres in theaters December 2025, with a nationwide expansion in January 2026.
What do you think of Kristen Stewart stepping behind the camera? Share your thoughts in the comments on InvestRecords.com.
