Kristen Stewart, the reigning queen of cool-girl chaos and Chanel ambassador emeritus, just turned the Cannes red carpet into her own personal fashion-forward slumber party. Yes, K-Stew showed up to the premiere of her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, dressed like a freshly dry-cleaned dream in a bright white satin short suit, complete with a matching hat. Somewhere, a very fancy chef is weeping because Kristen stole his uniform and made it couture.
The 35-year-old actress-turned-director strutted her stuff on Friday night (May 16), probably powered by equal parts caffeine, bisexual rage, and French croissants, as she debuted her passion project at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The premiere went down at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France—which is basically like Hollywood’s Met Gala but with more subtitles and fewer Kardashians.
Joining her on the red carpet were her merry band of indie-film warriors: Imogen Poots (still one of the best names in showbiz), Thora Birch (aka spooky royalty), Kim Gordon (yes, the Sonic Youth one), Michael Epp (you know, that guy), and Esmé Creed-Miles, who sounds like she was born wearing a beret and reciting Sylvia Plath.
Earlier that day, Kristen did what she does best: looking like a haunted poet in a semi-sheer ensemble while promoting the film. She radiated the energy of someone who knows what a metaphor is and isn’t afraid to use it.
And now, let’s get real for a second because this isn’t just an “actor tries directing” moment. The Chronology of Water is based on Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir, which is equal parts raw, gut-punching, and beautiful. According to the Cannes site, the film follows Lidia’s journey from “alcohol-soaked chaos” to “I found myself in literature and feelings” in what sounds like a cathartic emotional rollercoaster with bonus feminism. Basically, it’s like Eat, Pray, Love but with more trauma and fewer Italian carbs.
Oh, and if that wasn’t enough Kristen content for you: she and Elizabeth Olsen (yes, Wanda herself) are starring in a new vampire movie together. We don’t have details yet, but I’m assuming it involves velvet capes, bloodlust, and lots of moody staring.
FYI: Imogen Poots wore a Rodarte gown, because even if you don’t know what that means, you know it slayed.
Kristen Stewart is thriving. She’s directing, she’s dressing like a glamorous magician’s assistant, and she’s bringing feminist cinema and vampire chaos to the masses. Bow down, Cannes.
