Presented in several festivals and acclaimed by critics, The Chronology of Water is set to attract a new audience with its arrival on CINÉ+ OCS. Awarded the Revelation Prize at the Deauville American Film Festival, Kristen Stewart’s debut feature legitimizes the actress’s transformation into a filmmaker.
For her first film as a full-fledged filmmaker, Kristen Stewart, renowned for Twilight, chose a poignant story. Adapted from the memoirs of Lidia Yuknavitch, the film follows Lidia’s tumultuous journey, a woman marked by a traumatic childhood in the 1970s. Between family violence, escape into addictions, and attempts at rebuilding, her story in The Chronology of Water is as dark as it is ultimately luminous. This salvation will gradually come through two essential elements: swimming first, then writing, discovered almost by chance during her studies. This touching story is to be discovered now on CINÉ+ OCS.
A staging that reflects the character’s broken psyche
From the first few minutes, Kristen Stewart imposes a very original staging. Indeed, it is far from a classic linear narration. Instead, it is rather fragmented, close to stream of consciousness. The images unfold like raw memories, sometimes without immediate context, in an aesthetic reminiscent of amateur films. This choice, completely intentional and assumed, allows the viewer to dive into Lidia’s mind.
Some critics even speak of an impressionistic construction that gives the film a poetic dimension, where each image seems to carry a symbolic weight. Water, omnipresent, thus becomes a central motif with heavy metaphors.
What casting for The Chronology of Water?
It is Imogen Poots (28 Weeks Later, She’s Funny That Way, Vivarium) who embodies the tormented Lidia. Her performance, both physical, intense, and emotional, is one of the pillars of the film. The supporting cast is also commendable: Jim Belushi stands out in the role of Ken Kesey, a benevolent figure playing a crucial role in Lidia’s emancipation.
The arrival of The Chronology of Water on CINÉ+ OCS provides an ideal opportunity to discover this remarkable film, both moving and profoundly human. A cinematic experience that leaves no one indifferent and marks the promising beginnings of Kristen Stewart behind the camera.
Not subscribed yet? Take advantage, CINÉ+ OCS is currently offering a nice deal at SFR: you can enjoy a 50% discount for the first two months. This option will only cost you 6.50€/month for two months (then 12.99€/month). And it’s without commitment!
Source: CINÉ+ OCS
