Lidia Yuknavitch, the author of the 2011 memoir The Chronology of Water, has seen her life experiences adapted into a film directed by Kristen Stewart, marking Stewart's celebrated directorial debut. The film, which stars Imogen Poots as Yuknavitch, explores themes of sexual abuse, addiction, and the author's journey as an artist. It is set to be released this week.
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In a recent interview with Vogue, Yuknavitch expressed her excitement about the adaptation, noting that Stewart created her own interpretation of the memoir. "I think Kristen made her own autonomous art, and my book was sort of a launching pad, but what she made is all hers," Yuknavitch said.
Their collaboration was not extensive, as Yuknavitch described how Stewart initially asked her questions about emotional reactions, but then moved on without much further communication. "I think the collaboration was more about the heart and the sensibility we share as artists," she reflected.
Interestingly, Yuknavitch has not yet seen the film herself. "It’s literally killing me that I have not seen it," she remarked, adding that she feels connected to the project through the impressions shared by friends and her understanding of Stewart's artistic style.
Before this experience, Yuknavitch had not thought much about casting decisions for a film about her life. However, she noted that when she sees clips of Imogen Poots, she recognizes the actress's ability to convey emotional depth. "She’s stepping into a story that, sure, it’s my version, but all women step into these stories," Yuknavitch stated, emphasizing the shared themes among women's experiences.
Currently, Yuknavitch is exploring her creative outlets beyond writing, as she has focused on painting for over a year. Recently, she indicated that she is beginning to work on a new novel, signifying a potential return to writing. This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.