Kirsten Stewart is stepping behind the camera for her upcoming directorial debut, 'The Chronology of Water,' and it promises to be anything but ordinary. Exploring challenging themes like incest and menstruation, Stewart's film aims to take audiences on what she describes as 'a fing thrill ride.'
The actress, known for her role as Bella Swan in the 'Twilight' saga, is ready to reclaim her narrative and identity through this new venture. During interviews, she elaborated on the film's premise: 'My movie is about incest and periods and a woman violently repossessing her voice and body, and it is, at times, hard to watch … but it’s gonna be a fing thrill ride,' she expressed candidly.
Stewart acknowledged the intricacies and difficulties of filmmaking, especially within the Hollywood system, stating it is sometimes 'a self-conscious thing' to step away from acting and direct. This venture marks her desire to focus on creating films with substance over simply what feels good at the moment. 'I think as I’ve gotten older, I would much prefer to tailor my experiences to result-oriented goals versus just, ‘This is gonna feel good for me right now,' she remarked.
'The Chronology of Water' is based on the memoir by Lidia Yuknavitch, chronicling her tumultuous experiences as someone who grapples with issues surrounding gender, sexuality, and violence. The narrative follows Yuknavitch's transformation from addiction, child abuse, and the arduous path toward recovery, all through the lens of her identity as both artist and athlete.
Imogen Poots has been cast as the lead, showcasing her ability to portray complex characters unflinchingly. The decision to adapt such poignant source material reflects Stewart's commitment to provocative storytelling. 'The Chronology of Water is about issues of gender, sexuality, violence, and the family from the point of view of a lifelong swimmer turned artist,' according to Stewart.
This adaptation resonates with Stewart's own growth and reflects her yearning for authenticity as she pivots to directing. It's noticeable how much Stewart has evolved, moving from just acting to taking charge of the storytelling process herself. This debut could signify the emergence of Stewart's new era of creative expression.
While 'The Chronology of Water' tackles serious and often uncomfortable themes, Stewart believes this is key to engaging audiences and prompting discussions. The candid nature of the storyline, paired with Stewart's intense commitment to her vision, positions this debut as one to watch closely.
With her eye set on shifting narratives and fostering impactful storytelling, Kristen Stewart is ready to redefine her boundaries. The bold narrative of 'The Chronology of Water' is expected to challenge societal perceptions, opening up dialogues on gender and identity as viewers adhere to their seats throughout this anticipated film.
