Imogen Poots Awestruck by Kristen Stewart’s Debut

In a series of candid interviews throughout January 2026, British actress Imogen Poots has opened up about her visceral experience filming "The Chronology of Water," the highly anticipated feature directorial debut of Kristen Stewart.

As the film prepares for its wide UK release on February 6, 2026, following a successful limited run in New York and Los Angeles, Poots admitted she was "the most embarrassing level of awestruck" by Stewart’s transition from actor to auteur.

A Radical Creative Partnership

Adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch’s 2011 memoir, the film follows Poots as Lidia, an Olympic swimming hopeful who spirals into a world of addiction and trauma before finding salvation through writing. For Poots, the project wasn't just another role; it was an immersion made possible by her profound trust in Stewart.

• The "Awestruck" Moment: Speaking with Vogue, Poots shared her initial intimidation at the idea of collaborating with a filmmaker who possessed such a clear, unconventional vision. "I was the most embarrassing level of awestruck at the idea of working together," she gushed. "I just adore her as a person. We have a real, easy, deep, and pure friendship at this point."

• The Casting Call: Poots revealed that Stewart’s offer came via a refreshingly informal email: "Hey dude, you wanna make this movie with me?" After reading a script she described as "the most unique piece of writing" she had ever seen, Poots made a tape and was cast immediately.

• A "Cellular" Impact: The actress confessed that the grueling shoot—which required extreme psychological and physical vulnerability—affected her "on a cellular level." She promised herself to be as "open and available" as possible for Stewart, describing their bond as having the electricity of two people who had "lived past lives together."

Kristen Stewart: The "Unstoppable" Director

While Stewart has famously spent a decade shaking off her Twilight fame through a string of acclaimed indie performances, "The Chronology of Water" marks her definitive claim as a filmmaker.

• Eight Years in the Making: Stewart fought for nearly a decade to secure funding for the project, famously stating that she had to "throw a public temper tantrum" to get it made.

• Slamming the "Puppet" Culture: In a recent interview with Variety, Stewart criticized the Hollywood hierarchy that treats actresses like "puppets" but treats directors like "somebody with a brain." She praised Poots for putting her "whole body and soul" into the movie, noting that their collaboration was one of total equality rather than a rigid hierarchy.

• High Acclaim: The film, which features a non-linear, impressionistic structure, received a six-minute standing ovation at Cannes. Critics have hailed it as a "luminous" debut, noting it as the culmination of Stewart's long drift toward auteurship.

The 2026 Award Season Buzz

As the 2026 awards season heats up, both Stewart and Poots are frequently cited as contenders:

• Best Director Race: Stewart is being buzzed for potential BAFTA and Oscar nominations for her bold, sensory filmmaking style, which many compare to the French New Wave.

• Best Actress Contender: Critics have labeled Poots' performance as one of the best of the year, describing it as an "amphibious" turn that captures decades of trauma and recovery without relying on conventional Hollywood tropes.

• "Gaining a Sister": For Stewart, the greatest reward appears to be the friendship. In a heartfelt tribute, she told The Hollywood Reporter that she "gained a sister" in Poots: "She is one of the best actors I've ever been around in my entire life."

Source - https://www.pearlanddean.com/imogen-poots-was-awestruck-working-with-kristen-stewart-on-directorial-debut/

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