Kristen Stewart is stepping into a new chapter of her career as she prepares for the release of her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, set to hit cinemas on February 6, 2024. The film, based on Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir, explores complex themes of trauma and resilience through the life of a young woman. Stewart, now 35, reflects on her journey from a child actor to a highly regarded filmmaker and the lessons she has learned along the way.
In a recent interview, Stewart recounted an enlightening conversation with a male actor. “I mentioned that there are no female Method actors, as Method acting often seeks to make performance seem like an extraordinary feat,” she explained. “As soon as I differentiated between male and female actors, he became defensive.” She emphasized how comments like these used to upset her, but now, with age and experience, she approaches them with a newfound calm. “Getting older is great because you can achieve a calm,” she stated, illustrating her growth in handling industry dynamics.
Stewart, who gained fame at a young age, first captivated audiences as Jodie Foster’s daughter in Panic Room at 12. By 18, she became a global icon through her role in the Twilight saga, which grossed nearly $3.4 billion worldwide. Although she enjoyed significant success early on, Stewart has said that this fame came at a cost, leaving her feeling as if she had “not lived a fully lived life.”
Transitioning from mainstream blockbusters to more arthouse cinema, Stewart earned critical acclaim for her performance in Clouds of Sils Maria, winning a César, France’s equivalent of the Oscars. Her portrayal of Princess Diana in the film Spencer garnered her an Academy Award nomination, showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress.
Stewart’s personal life has also been marked by public scrutiny, particularly during her high-profile relationship with Robert Pattinson. In 2012, after an affair with director Rupert Sanders, she faced backlash and even criticism from public figures, including Donald Trump. Despite these challenges, she has embraced her identity, coming out as bisexual in 2013 and marrying screenwriter Dylan Meyer in 2022.
Now, as she directs The Chronology of Water, Stewart is pioneering a new path. The film narrates the harrowing experiences of a young woman, Lidia, played by Imogen Poots, who grapples with the trauma of sexual abuse. The narrative dives into taboo subjects that many choose to ignore, and Stewart is determined to bring these experiences to light. “We have to deny our physicality every single day, but there is so much pain and beauty in experiences like birth that we don’t share,” she explained.
The film has received praise for its emotional power and innovative storytelling. The New Yorker noted that it “packs great emotional power into its boldly original form.” Stewart took eight years to secure funding for the project, ultimately partnering with Scott Free Productions, founded by Tony and Ridley Scott. The film’s provocative style, featuring graphic depictions of sensitive themes, reflects Stewart’s commitment to pushing boundaries in filmmaking.
When discussing the challenges of obtaining financing, Stewart candidly stated, “If I was a man, I wouldn’t have made this movie.” She expressed that the film industry often marginalizes women’s stories, and her goal is to challenge that narrative. “We have to push people out of the way to get our experience seen, and that pisses people off,” she asserted.
Reflecting on her career, Stewart noted that directing has been liberating. “Actresses get treated like shit, I’ve got to tell you,” she remarked, highlighting the disparities in how male and female filmmakers are perceived. “When I talked about my movie as a director, it felt like people were engaging with me as someone with a brain,” she added, emphasizing the importance of recognition in the industry.
While she acknowledges that the filmmaking process is all-consuming, Stewart relishes the challenges it presents. “I was a maniac on this movie,” she admitted. “But I’ve never felt more alive.” Her passion for storytelling drives her to create films that resonate emotionally and politically, aiming to inspire change in how women’s experiences are portrayed in media.
As Stewart looks ahead, she envisions a future where she can create freely, potentially outside the constraints of the American film industry. “I can’t work freely there,” she said, hinting at her desire to make films in Europe and share them with American audiences. Her commitment to authentic storytelling remains steadfast, as she aims to elevate female perspectives in a world that often seeks to silence them.
With The Chronology of Water on the horizon, Kristen Stewart is not just redefining her career but also challenging the status quo in Hollywood. Her journey from a young actress to a visionary director illustrates the power of resilience and the importance of authentic representation in film.
