Kristen Stewart steps behind the camera for powerful debut The Chronology of Water, in cinemas February 2026

BFI Distribution has announced the UK and Irish cinema release of The Chronology of Water, the long-awaited feature directorial debut from Kristen Stewart, arriving on 6^th February 2026.

The film premiered in Un Certain Regard at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and had its UK debut at the BFI London Film Festival to critical acclaim. Adapted by Stewart from Lidia Yuknavitch’s celebrated memoir, The Chronology of Water stars Imogen Poots in a raw and fearless lead performance. The ensemble also includes Jim Belushi, Thora Birch, Charlie Carrick, Susannah Flood, Esmé Creed-Miles, Earl Cave, Kim Gordon, Tom Sturridge and Michael Epp.

The story follows Lidia, a woman who navigates trauma, addiction and toxic relationships while forging her identity and finding creative liberation through writing. Stewart’s adaptation is a poetic, bold and visually arresting exploration of memory, identity and female experience, establishing her as a distinctive new voice behind the camera.

The film is produced by a global team, including Stewart herself, alongside Michael Pruss, Rebecca Feuer, Charles Gillibert, and others, in a co-production between Scott Free, CG Cinéma International, Forma Pro Films and Nevermind Pictures.

The editorial unit

The Chronology of Water is released nationwide on 6^th February 2026. Read our review here.

Watch the trailer for The Chronology of Water here: