The Chronology of Water
Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut is a fierce and ambitious portrayal of how trauma can ultimately be transformed into art.
Actor Kristen Stewart’s fierce directorial debut The Chronology of Water is based on American writer Lidia Yuknavitch’s bestselling autobiography of the same name, published in 2011. It’s a fragmented and heavily stylised film that tells the story of an abused competitive swimmer, who goes from having a drug problem into being a successful writer and a mother.
Imogen Poots throws herself into her raw performance as Lidia, whose life is haunted by sexual abuse and a difficult relationship with her father. Jim Belushi appears as counterculture icon Ken Kesey, from whose writing course Lidia enters to kickstart her writing career.
The hectic narration digs deep into the conflicts of traumatic relationships. From the first frames, the viewer is sucked into an unpredictable stream, in which trauma, desire, addiction, and writing interlock. The restless editing and reluctant sound design constantly keep the viewer reminded that all is not well.
The film had its premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes International Film Festival, where the audience received it with a standing ovation. Stewart is also the film’s co-writer beside Andy Mingo.
Rauli Karjalainen (translated by Vilja Hynynen)
