In a recent episode of Collider Ladies Night, acclaimed actress Thora Birch delved into her extensive career, reflecting on her journey through Hollywood, pivotal roles in beloved films, and her latest collaboration with Kristen Stewart on her feature directorial debut, "The Chronology of Water." Birch, whose work spans iconic titles such as "Hocus Pocus," "Ghost World," "American Beauty," and "The Walking Dead," discussed the formative experiences that shaped her approach to acting and her evolving relationship with her audience.

Birch began her acting career at a young age, and she credits her early experiences with seasoned professionals for instilling in her a profound sense of dedication. Working alongside industry veterans like Harrison Ford in "Patriot Games" when she was nine, and Bette Midler in "Hocus Pocus" at ten, profoundly influenced her. She observed their commitment and complete immersion in the creative process, noting, "The care and dedication that I saw was something that rubbed off on me." This realization, that acting was a serious job requiring full attention and effort, became a cornerstone of her professional ethos, teaching her that anything less would mean she was in the wrong place.

Despite her significant achievements, including a BAFTA nomination for "American Beauty" and a Golden Globe nomination for "Ghost World," Birch confessed that it took decades to fully accept the profound impact her work had on fans. She initially resisted praise, driven by a desire to continually explore new roles and avoid complacency. However, a turning point came in her early 30s when fans began sharing how films like "Hocus Pocus" had been a part of their childhoods and were now being passed down to their own children. Hearing someone say, "I grew up with you," was a humbling and deeply rewarding experience, connecting her with the powerful sentiment she herself felt for actors she admired.

Birch's latest project is "The Chronology of Water," Kristen Stewart's ambitious feature directorial debut, based on Lidia Yuknavitch’s acclaimed memoir. The film stars Imogen Poots as Lidia, a young woman who finds solace in competitive swimming, only to face a challenging journey through loss, addiction, and self-destructive choices before finding healing through her sister, played by Birch, and through writing. Birch expressed her admiration for Stewart's unwavering dedication to the project, noting Stewart had been committed for seven years. On set, Birch was particularly struck by Stewart's calm yet intensely energetic presence. "I don't know if I ever saw her sit down," Birch remarked, describing Stewart's "burning inner ferocity and energy" and her deliberate, visionary approach to filmmaking. Upon seeing the final cut, Birch was "blown away," realizing the depth and artistry of their collective effort under Stewart's direction. The film is set for a nationwide release beginning January 9.