the chronology of water.
DIRECTED BY KRISTEN STEWART
The Chronology Of Water is a raw, emotional snapshot of growing up in an abusive household, dealing with the psychological ramifications, and clawing your way out in the attempt of building a new life. A visual narrative of the autobiographical works of the same name by author Lidia Yuknavitch.
Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut was one that deserves all the praise it got, and much much more. You can tell she put her whole heart and soul into this project. It felt tangible, so real you can almost touch it. The film was reminiscent of a scrapbook of memories, combined with the most personal diary entries. Entires no one would ever see.
The lead performance by Imogen Poots was won of the best I have seen in recent years. For starters, she plays an individual spanning multiple decades in age, from a young teenager up to a mother in her 40’s; and you not only believe her at each stage of life she plays; you’re heart is wrecked, filled with joy, and praise. Poots deserved far more recognition for this performace, as did the film in its entirety. Thora Birch also cannot go unnoticed as Poots sister who during a time of unimaginable grief and tradgedy has to fight to keep it together and be the rock for Poots’ character. I’m not sure I have the words for how remarkable that performace was; but it left me wanting much more of Birch’s work.
Stewart and Poots joined us at the Angelika FIlm Center in NYC to talk about the film.
Talking about the complexities of the character of Lidia, Poots said:
“ I think there is something so noble about really wanting something, and trying. Trying is so embarrasing and it’s so exposing, and it’s so bold’ and you get close enough to something, and you just drop it. I thought as a character, she herself is becoming all the time.
“She also understands power, unfortunately so from a place of sex. Far too early on in her life she had this thing foisted upon her that she should not have had access to, or had that kind of information. So, navigating a life where you’re then like, “ well, i understand this is how I can manipulate someone”, and then to sort of come to something artistic in life, and find herself through that instead in her own way and on her own terms … I thought was incredibly beautiful. “
Stewarts empathy and passion for this film are evident from the first frame. Every scene is meticulously executed.
On how the stages of making the film, Stewart said,
“ There were versions that were a little more concentrated. I think there are forms of this movie that could have been super impressionistic, on a gallery wall that could have said all the same things, without saying a word. It was really hard to get this movie together. We had some creative reaarranging throughout. “
Ultimately, Stewart fought to make the film she wanted to make saying,
“ It needed to do two things. It needed to feel reflective of the feelings I had when i read the novel, which is not a universal thing, it’s so individualized. As much as i think it calls out to be adapted, I was told by so many people that it was the worst idea ever. To do a cradle to the grave thing has never been what I wiould gravitate towards. But, its like clay. If you only have your instincts to follow, then you’re making something about realizing that trusting your instincts is an okay thing. More than okay, it’s the only way to live, truly. Or else, If you deny your compass … then you can’t be there. When I was writing it, at one point I adapted every moment in the entire book. There were many versions.
Stewart has kept her talent as a filmmaker from us far too long; and we can’t wait to see what projects and stories she captures next.
The Chronology Of Water , after a successful theater engagement, is now available on streaming platforms.
