Kristen Stewart’s Cannes directorial debut with Dylan Meyer drew attention at May’s Cannes Film Festival, where Stewart presented “A Chronology Of Water” while relying on her spouse for vital decision-making and support. The film’s journey to the prominent European festival reflected both Stewart’s shift from acting to directing and Meyer’s influence behind the scenes as a driving force.
Dylan Meyer’s Role Steering the Cannes Debut
The newly-married couple spent much of the festival season promoting their film “A Chronology Of Water.” Sources familiar with Kristen Stewart, known for her “Twilight” fame, noted that she handed over significant project control to her assertive spouse, Dylan Meyer. Despite many months waiting for a festival premiere and initial surprise when it bypassed the Sundance Film Festival, Meyer remained instrumental in pushing the film’s acceptance to Cannes.
“The process on Chronology of Water has been long-running, to say the least, and Dylan Meyer has been a shot-caller throughout all of it, including the film getting accepted to Cannes after people were surprised the movie didn’t show up at the Sundance Film Festival this past January,”
says the insider who has known the couple for years.
“Remember, this movie has been finished for months and months and everybody has been waiting to see what kind of director Kristen really is.”
—Insider
While Kristen Stewart’s position as director and co-writer with Andy Mingo was prominent, Meyer’s continued involvement ensured the film met both creative and logistical needs. The film adaptation draws inspiration from the memoir by Lidia Yuknavitch and casts Imogen Poots as the lead character navigating a turbulent upbringing.
The Creative Focus of “A Chronology Of Water”
Stewart’s adaptation shines a spotlight on Lidia’s experiences, particularly shaped by familial conflict and substance abuse. The film offers a portrayal of
“growing up in an environment torn apart by violence and alcohol,”
reflecting themes encountered by many young women. It explores both the challenges faced and the transformative power of art:
“that seem universal to many girls’ and young women’s lives,”
and
“explores how trauma can be transformed into art.”
—Insider
Stewart described her move to the director’s role as a natural extension of her artistry in a Time interview, stating:
“nothing happens unless you make it happen.”
—Kristen Stewart, Interview with Time
Shared Responsibilities Behind the Camera
Behind the scenes, Dylan Meyer’s involvement extended beyond moral support. She managed both creative pressures and the business side, helping to position the film strategically at Cannes for its greater exposure.
“It’s too strong to say that Dylan pushed her to this point, but of the many, many producers on this movie, Dylan is the one who spends every minute of the day with Kristen and Dylan is the one responsible for making sure this movie makes money,”
the insider explains. This collaborative process has seen Stewart adapting to working largely behind the camera, while Meyer ensures commercial prospects.
“She has embraced that, just like Kristen has embraced working on a movie where she isn’t the star or in every scene.”
—Insider
“They’re both in uncharted territory, and they’re navigating it confidently,”
the insider assures,
“but everything eventually came down to how this movie was received in Cannes and how it will be viewed going forward upon a wider release.”
—Insider
The Festival Reception and What Lies Ahead
“A Chronology Of Water” premiered at Cannes on May 16, during a festival that highlighted a record selection of women-directed films. Stewart’s debut received a standing ovation lasting over six minutes, highlighting support within European film circles. However, as the insider notes, the couple’s journey is not complete, with broader audiences yet to respond to the film’s release post-festival.
“Kristen is a beloved figure in European film circles, but she and Dylan are risking that reputation on Chronology and Dylan is sure that they have a hit on their hands. We will see soon enough if she’s right.”
—Insider
As Kristen Stewart and Dylan Meyer move forward, anticipation centers on how “A Chronology Of Water” will be received by wider audiences and whether their artistic and logistical partnership will yield both creative acclaim and commercial success in the challenging world of international cinema.
