- Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, has drawn festival praise and awards buzz.
- Stewart’s film is praised for its raw style and Imogen Poots’ commanding lead performance.
- Kate Winslet’s Goodbye June landed on Netflix over the holidays and received mixed reviews.
- Critics say Winslet’s debut lacks a distinctive directorial voice compared with Stewart’s bold approach.
Why Kristen Stewart’s debut is resonating
Kristen Stewart’s The Chronology of Water has emerged as one of the year’s most discussed actor‑turned‑director debuts. Adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir, the film follows a harrowing, lyrical journey through addiction, abuse and the struggle to become an artist. Stewart’s direction has been singled out for its willingness to embrace rough edges — alternating between discordant intensity and quiet intimacy — and for trusting Imogen Poots to carry the narrative.
Festival acclaim and awards buzz
After a strong festival run last summer, Stewart’s film picked up critical momentum. Reviewers noted her confident visual choices and an editorial rhythm that lets performances and texture do much of the storytelling. That festival visibility has helped build momentum for a wider theatrical roll‑out in January.
Kate Winslet’s debut: a quieter, more conventional turn
By contrast, Kate Winslet’s Goodbbye June premiered with less fanfare and was released on Netflix on Christmas Eve. The film, written by Winslet’s son Joe Anders, centers on a large family confronting a mother’s terminal illness. Winslet directs and stars as Julia, the eldest sibling keeping her family together amid grief and fractious relationships.
Mixed reviews and a muted release strategy
Critics praised performances from Helen Mirren, Toni Collette and Johnny Flynn in quieter moments, but many found the film’s emotional beats familiar and its narrative unremarkable. Observers questioned why a director of Winslet’s stature chose a modest, sentimental family drama for her first feature and noted the Netflix release lacked the red‑carpet buildup typical for high‑profile actor‑directors.
What separates the two debuts
The difference between Stewart and Winslet’s debuts comes down to distinct directorial choices. Stewart’s film feels personal and stylistically daring, aligning with her track record of taking bold, often experimental acting roles. Winslet’s approach is steadier and more traditional, which some critics interpreted as cautious for a first feature.
What comes next
Both directors are likely to return behind the camera. Stewart’s confident debut positions her to pursue more ambitious projects, while Winslet’s less flashy start may be a warmup for riskier work later. For now, the two films offer a clear illustration: not every great actor will make the same kind of director — and the results can vary widely.
Note: The Chronology of Water expands into theaters in January; Goodbye June is streaming on Netflix.
Image Referance: https://www.salon.com/2026/01/01/movie-stars-want-to-direct-its-not-always-a-great-idea/