The Chronology of Water (2025): Cast, Ratings & Plot
The Chronology of Water is a 2025 romantic drama directed by Kristen Stewart, starring Imogen Poots as Lidia Yuknavitch, Thora Birch and Marlēna Sniega. It runs 2 hours 7 minutes and was made on a reported $7 million budget. Critics gave it 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.3/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 7m (127 min)
- Director
- Kristen Stewart
- Original language
-
English
- Studio
- CG Cinéma
- Budget
- $7M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is The Chronology of Water About?
The premise of The Chronology of Water without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Raised in a household marked by violence and alcohol abuse, a young woman seeks a way out. She escapes her difficult family life and finds solace and a new beginning at university, where she immerses herself in the world of literature. Through words, she discovers an unexpected sense of freedom and begins to forge her own path towards a brighter future.
The Chronology of Water Cast & Characters
Imogen Poots leads the cast as Lidia Yuknavitch, with Thora Birch as Claudia and Marlēna Sniega as Claudia Teen. Directed by Kristen Stewart; 16 actors are credited in all.
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Director Kristen Stewart
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Imogen Poots as Lidia Yuknavitch -
Thora Birch as Claudia - Marlēna Sniega as Claudia Teen
- Jim Belushi as Ken Kesey
Also Starring in The Chronology of Water
· 12 more- Tom Sturridge Devin
- Kim Gordon
- Charlie Carrick
- Michael Epp
- Earl Cave
- Esme Allen Hannah
- Anna Wittowsky Young Lidia
- Jeremy Ang Jones
- Hal Weaver Pastor
- Eleanor Hahn Carol Houck Smith
- Georgie Dettmer Sienna Torres
- Susannah Flood
More from Kristen Stewart
One more film directed by Kristen Stewart: The Chronology of Water.
The Chronology of Water Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave The Chronology of Water 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.3/10. Our Echo Score gives it 86/100, strongest in art & craft (92) and weakest in story & flow (78).
The Chronology of Water Echo Score Breakdown
The Chronology of Water delivers a compelling art‑house debut that resonates through its confident direction and emotionally resonant performances. Critics underline the film’s bold visual style, precise narrative structure, and powerful acting, while noting occasional indulgence in its thematic handling. The synthesis of form and content generates a lasting impression that suggests strong replay value for audiences seeking thoughtful cinema.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 92
In terms of craft, the film is praised for its masterful direction and disciplined visual composition. Reviewers highlight Stewart’s bold choices, dynamic movement, and the seamless alignment of form with content, describing the debut as a finely tuned piece of cinema. The overall execution of art and technical elements is regarded as exemplary.
- Character & Emotion 88
When it comes to character work, the performances are consistently described as riveting and nuanced. Imogen Poots receives particular acclaim for delivering a raw, layered portrayal, while the overall cast is noted for authentic emotional resonance. The depth and chemistry among characters reinforce the film’s thematic weight, contributing to its strong emotional impact.
- Story & Flow 78
The narrative structure receives commendation for its elliptical yet precise storytelling. Critics acknowledge the film’s ambitious handling of trauma and survival, though a few note moments of indulgence and naiveté. Overall, the plot maintains coherence and engagement, offering originality that balances measured pacing with thematic complexity.
- Sensory Experience 84
Sensory experience is highlighted through vivid visual style and a resonant soundscape. Reviewers observe a distinct, languid echoing aesthetic that enhances the emotional tone, while the soundtrack and sound design are described as supportive and immersive. The cohesive sensory design amplifies the film’s artistic intent.
- Rewatch Factor 80
Rewatch potential is inferred from the film’s layered storytelling and confident execution. Critics suggest that its nuanced performances, visual richness, and thematic depth reward multiple viewings, offering new insights on each encounter. The lasting appeal positions the debut as a film that maintains relevance beyond its initial screening.
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IMDb 6.3 /10
4557 votes
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Rotten Tomatoes 91% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 66%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
TMDB 67% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.6 /5
52280 ratings
See on Letterboxd
The Chronology of Water Plot Summary
What happens in The Chronology of Water from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Lidia Yuknavitch grows up torn between a love for writing and a passion for swimming, both serving as refuges from a home life marked by abuse. Her father, Mike, physically harms her and her sister Claudia, while their alcoholic mother Dorothy largely ignores the turmoil. Those early memories shape her resilience and fuel a determination to seek a different future, where words and water might offer sanctuary.
Full summary
The whole story of The Chronology of Water, scene by scene
The Chronology of Water Trailers & Videos
11 videos: 2 trailers, 2 teasers, 3 clips and 4 featurettes.
- Trailer UK Trailer
- Teaser Official Teaser
- Teaser Official Teaser #2
- Clip Clip
How Well Do You Know The Chronology of Water?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What two passions serve as refuges for the protagonist during her difficult childhood?
The Chronology of Water Also Known As
10 alternative titles, including “水物语” and “流年似水”.
- Also known as
-
- 水物语
- 流年似水
- 숨을 참던 나날
- 水之年代
- 물의 연대기
- Chronologia wody
- La cronología del agua
- A Cronologia da Água
- A víz kronológiája
- Хронологія води
Seen The Chronology of Water?
The Chronology of Water FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, budget, ratings and post-credit scenes of The Chronology of Water, each answered in a sentence.
How long is The Chronology of Water?
The Chronology of Water runs 2 hours 7 minutes (127 minutes).
When was The Chronology of Water released?
The Chronology of Water was released on May 16, 2025.
Who directed The Chronology of Water?
The Chronology of Water was directed by Kristen Stewart.
More films by Kristen Stewart Who is in the cast of The Chronology of Water?
The Chronology of Water stars Imogen Poots as Lidia Yuknavitch, Thora Birch as Claudia and Marlēna Sniega as Claudia Teen, among 16 credited actors.
What was the budget of The Chronology of Water?
The Chronology of Water had a reported budget of $7 million.
How is The Chronology of Water rated?
The Chronology of Water has 6.3/10 on IMDb, 91% on Rotten Tomatoes, 67% on TMDB and 3.6/5 on Letterboxd.
Does The Chronology of Water have a post-credit scene?
No. The Chronology of Water has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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