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Romantic drama

The Chronology of Water (2025): Cast, Ratings & Plot

The Chronology of Water (2025) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes
91%
Echo Score
86
budget
$7M
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The Chronology of Water (2025) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 7m (127 min)
Director
Kristen Stewart
Genres
Drama , Romance
Original language
English
Budget
$7M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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.

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Cast & crew

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.

From the director

More from Kristen Stewart

One more film directed by Kristen Stewart: The Chronology of Water.

Full filmography
Ratings

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).

86 /100

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.

Plot

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

Read the full summary
Videos

The Chronology of Water Trailers & Videos

11 videos: 2 trailers, 2 teasers, 3 clips and 4 featurettes.

All 11 videos
Official Trailer
  • Trailer UK Trailer
  • Teaser Official Teaser
  • Teaser Official Teaser #2
  • Clip Clip
Quiz

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

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What two passions serve as refuges for the protagonist during her difficult childhood?

Details

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?

FAQ

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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