Film Review – The Chronology of Water (2025)

      The Chronology of Water, 2025.

      Written and Directed by Kristen Stewart.

      Featuring Imogen Poots, Thora Birch, Charlie Carrick, Tom Sturridge, Susannah Flood, Esme Allen, Kim Gordon, Michael Epp, Jim Belushi, Earl Cave, Jeremy Ang Jones, Hal Weaver, Eleanor Hahn, Anna Wittowsky, Georgie Dettmer, and Marlēna Sniega.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Through the themes of loss, love, and self-discovery, a woman transforms her pain into art, crafting a life on her own terms.

      To discuss Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, in a conventional review format would not only undermine the ambitious and mesmerizing experimental approach but also its intent.

      Edited with a frenetic yet meticulously controlled precision by Olivia Neergaard-Holm, the film opens with disjointed images and sounds that leave viewers questioning if the playback is functioning correctly, only to reveal a grainy 16mm aesthetic, suggesting it leans more towards the realm of memory than straightforward narrative. Much like memories, many scenes carry a certain fogginess, with overlapping timelines and moments; this is further enhanced by striking visual transitions and dissolves orchestrated by cinematographer Corey C. Waters. With a score from Paris Hurley that echoes the quieter, reflective, and meditative aspects of the fragmented filmmaking—which can unpredictably shift to aggressive loudness—it's evident that Kristen Stewart utilizes every available tool to craft a lyrical, multisensory experience.

      These memories belong to Lidia Yuknavitch (adapted from her memoir and portrayed by Imogen Poots), an aspiring swimmer who navigates a troubled home dominated by a violent and sexually abusive father (Michael Epp). Left to fend for herself after her mother's overdose and her sister’s (played as an adult by Thora Birch) escape, Lidia wrestles with her situation. With few exceptions, Kristen Stewart’s film does not dwell on explicit traumatic imagery but instead explores how these memories are often obscured in a haze. This approach sensitively addresses heavy themes, providing a more emotionally engaging experience than typical handheld narratives. Lidia's story also involves an awakening of her agency as she begins to confront her father and embrace life.

      Divided into five chapters, each focusing on different significant moments or individuals in Lidia’s life, Kristen Stewart employs similar cinematic techniques to delve into familiar topics like addiction struggles, unrealized dreams, tumultuous yet passionate romances (with explorations of sexual identity), depression, profound loss, and uplifting interactions, such as a mentorship with a renowned writer (played by Jim Belushi). The constant overlays and cuts suggest that even joyful memories are often intertwined with sadness.

      This structure allows Kristen Stewart and Imogen Poots (who delivers a raw, primal performance) to express contrasting emotions within the same scene. It presents a visceral portrayal of trauma and the life journey, as memories and images collide. There is also a clear focus on the human body and the fluids it produces, with water serving as a recurring metaphor.

      Part of the reflective narration involves Lidia asserting how patterns and repetition emerge in water (particularly in relation to her relationships), mirroring the ebb and flow of life. However, this repetition occasionally becomes evident in the film itself, as the second half struggles to maintain the viewer's engagement as effectively as the first hour. Nevertheless, the poetry recited is presumably taken from the real Lidia Yuknavitch's writings, which ties the disjointed storytelling into a cohesive and flowing narrative. For those who have observed Kristen Stewart’s transition from mainstream acting to directing, The Chronology of Water is the bold and striking work one would anticipate from her behind the camera. The fact that it is her debut is indeed impressive.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★

      Robert Kojder