Hoping to become a writer, a young woman dives deep in ‘The Chronology of Water’

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It’s natural to wonder what an actor focuses on when they first direct a film – what’s most important to them, or perhaps what isn’t. But Kristen Stewart has starred in such a wide range of movies, from big blockbusters to small independent films, that it’s hard to predict what her directorial debut would be like.

“The Chronology of Water” feels distinctly like a Kelly Reichardt film – or, perhaps, we can say it’s definitively “Reichardt-esque.” Like much of her work, the film is deeply personal and focuses on internal experience. Adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch’s 2011 memoir by Reichardt herself, it immerses viewers in the mind of a young writer grappling with a difficult past, a challenging present, and an uncertain future. Reichardt isn’t just experimenting with this film; “The Chronology of Water” is a bold and fully realized directorial effort, showcasing her artistic and realistic style from beginning to end.

Imogen Poots delivers a standout performance as Lidia, spanning her high school years through motherhood, and marks a career high for this often-overlooked British actor. After a rough start with a younger actor portraying a difficult childhood marked by abuse and neglect – with a frightening father (Michael Epp) and ineffectual mother (Susannah Flood) – Poots seamlessly steps into the role, appearing as if she’s lived through those early experiences herself.

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Lidia sees competitive swimming as her chance for a better life, but her problems follow her even when she’s in the pool. She battles addiction, a troubled relationship where she hurts a caring boyfriend, and a painful loss. A fresh start comes when she moves in with her older sister, Claudia (played by Thora Birch), who also experienced abuse from their father, and joins a creative writing program. Her teacher, a laid-back and encouraging figure reminiscent of Ken Kesey (played by Jim Belushi), manages to avoid becoming a stereotypical wise writer. Through this, Lidia begins to find hope in a calmer life built on creativity rather than impulsive behavior.

Throughout the film, Stewart presents the fragmented memories of her character like a jagged jigsaw puzzle. This intentionally jarring style, with its non-linear structure and harsh sounds, initially feels like a student film exercise. However, this experimentation ultimately serves the story, which both Stewart and the actress, Poots, clearly control. The beautiful, textured 16mm cinematography by Corey C. Waters also helps, drawing you in even when the images are unsettling.

What truly captivates is Aoife Poots’ performance. She fully embodies her character without ever feeling like she’s simply showing off her acting skills. Poots portrays Lidia over almost twenty years, skillfully capturing the subtle ways a teenager can appear more mature. While the director, Stewart, clearly appreciates Poots’ talent, her direction doesn’t always fully highlight it. Stewart’s ambitious choices sometimes create mixed results, but Poots consistently shines, allowing the audience to experience the raw emotional struggle of transforming memories into narratives, as Lidia describes.

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2026-01-09 20:31