The 2025 Cannes Film Festival has announced an exciting addition to its official selection, a set of prominent films that are guaranteed to attract viewers and critics as well. Among the highly anticipated new entries is Kristen Stewart’s directorial effort, The Chronology of Water, Lynne Ramsay’s Die, My Love with Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, and Ethan Coen’s newest feature, Honey Don’t!. These movies, among a few others, are going to add richness to the festival’s multi-faceted program, presenting an assortment of new voices and experienced auteurs.
Kristen Stewart’s The Chronology of Water to Premiere in Un Certain Regard
Kristen Stewart makes her feature film directorial debut behind the scenes in The Chronology of Water, an adaptation of Lidia Yuknavitch’s autobiography. Starring Imogen Poots, the film will be screened in the Un Certain Regard section, which celebrates original and innovative storytelling.
The Chronology of Water is a film exploring Yuknavitch’s own life, touching on themes of loss, addiction, and personal discovery. Stewart’s own shift from respected actress to director has received positive attention, and the fact that her film is competing at Cannes is an excellent beginning for her directing career. The work has received attention for its very personal documentation of personal change and survival.
Lynne Ramsay’s Die, My Love Enters Main Competition
Award-winning director Lynne Ramsay is back at Cannes with Die, My Love, a psychological thriller inspired by Ariana Harwicz’s novel. The movie features Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson in a powerful pairing of talent. The film is set in rural France and follows a woman struggling with mental illness and social expectations, giving a raw and unflinching glimpse into the human psyche.
Die, My Love has been included in the main competition of the festival, making it a potential competitor for the Palme d’Or. Ramsay’s track record of creating emotionally charged and visually powerful films fuels the excitement for this premiere. The themes of identity and desire in the film are likely to be deeply resonated with the audience.
Ethan Coen’s Honey Don’t! to Feature in Midnight Screenings
Ethan Coen, whose name is synonymous with being half of the Coen Brothers, debuts Honey Don’t!, a black comedy slated to open the festival’s Midnight Screenings division. Starring Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, and Chris Evans, it is Coen’s and Tricia Cooke’s “lesbian B-movie trilogy,” the second being 2024’s Drive-Away Dolls.
Honey Don’t! has a lesbian private investigator (Qualley) tracking down a suspicious church and its mesmerizing pastor (Evans) in Bakersfield, California. The movie offers a mix of satire and noir, and Coen’s unconventional sense of humor. Its addition in the Midnight Screenings emphasizes its offbeat and provocative charm.
More Interesting Choices
The festival’s wider slate also features:
Mother and Child by Saeed Roustaee, competing in the main competition. Roustaee last appeared at Cannes with Leila’s Brothers in 2022.
Love Me Tender by Anna Cazenave Cambet, Un Poeta by Simón Mesa Soto, and O Riso e a Faca (Le Rire et le Couteau) by Pedro Pinho, were all included in the Un Certain Regard program.
Renai Saiban by Kōji Fukada, Ástin Sem Eftir Er by Hlynur Pálmason, and Magalhães by Lav Diaz, under the Cannes Premiere section.
Le Roi Soleil by Vincent Maël Cardona, along with Honey Don’t! under the Midnight Screenings.
Special Screenings of Amélie et la Métaphysique des Tubes by Maïlys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han, Mama by Or Sinai, Arco by Ugo Bienvenu, and Qui Brille au Combat by Joséphine Japy.
A tribute to Pierre Richard with L’Homme Qui a Vu l’Ours Qui a Vu l’Homme by Pierre Richard.
Anticipation Mounts for Cannes 2025
Inclusion of these titles to the roster for the 2025 Cannes Film Festival serves to reinforce the event’s dedication to presenting a wide-ranging selection of cinematic voices. Stewart’s contemplative directorial debut, Ramsay’s psychological thriller, and Coen’s genre-defying comedy, the festival has in store for its audience a rich weave of storytelling.
As the festival nears, cinephiles and industry insiders alike look forward to the premieres and the debate they will ignite. The 78th Cannes is looking like a celebration of daring stories and artistic vision.
