Key Points
- Kristen Stewart’s first feature as a director, The Chronology of Water, premiered at Cannes in May 2023 and releases theatrically on December 5, 2025.
- The film adapts Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir, exploring trauma, addiction, and artistic rebirth.
- Stewart spent years securing financing and protecting her creative vision throughout production.
- Despite strong festival reception, the film struggled to find distribution until indie label The Forge stepped in.
- Stewart plans to pursue more intimate, small‑scale directing projects moving forward.
Kristen Stewart Steps Behind the Camera for Her First Feature Film
Kristen Stewart’s evolution from actor to filmmaker reaches a milestone with The Chronology of Water, her long‑anticipated directorial debut. After premiering to acclaim at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, the film is set for a December 5 theatrical release, marking Stewart’s official arrival as a feature director.
Adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir, the film dives into themes of trauma, addiction, sexuality, and the transformative power of art—material that Stewart says resonated with her instantly.
A Lifelong Path Toward Directing
Though Stewart became a global star through the Twilight franchise, her interest in directing began much earlier. Raised on film sets, she absorbed the craft from her parents—her father a stage manager, her mother a script supervisor.
That early exposure, she says, gave her a “built‑in understanding” of filmmaking and a desire to eventually shape stories from behind the camera.
Bringing The Chronology of Water to Life
Stewart discovered Yuknavitch’s memoir in 2017 and immediately knew she wanted to adapt it. But securing financing proved difficult, taking several years and testing her resolve.
Once production began, Stewart insisted on protecting the film’s emotional intensity and unconventional structure. She described the process as “fully immersive,” noting that every scene had to align precisely with her vision.
Key Details:
- Title: The Chronology of Water
- Premiere: Cannes Film Festival, May 2025
- Theatrical Release: December 5, 2025
- Source Material: Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir
Critical Praise Meets Distribution Challenges
Despite strong reviews at Cannes, distributors hesitated, unsure how to market such a raw, experimental film. Stewart acknowledged the skepticism but refused to compromise the film’s tone.
Ultimately, indie distributor The Forge acquired the project and launched an awards‑season campaign to boost visibility.
A Distinctive Artistic Vision
Stewart’s directorial style emphasizes sensory immersion—textures, sound, and emotional proximity. She has expressed interest in creating installation‑style exhibition experiences that allow audiences to engage with the film beyond traditional screenings.
Looking ahead, Stewart says she plans to focus on smaller, collaborative projects, preferring intimate sets over large studio productions.
What Happens Next?
With The Chronology of Water finally reaching theaters, Stewart is already preparing her next directing effort. As she continues to carve out her identity behind the camera, her commitment to authenticity and creative independence suggests a bold new chapter in her career.
