Amanda Kramer, the writer and director of the new drama “By Design,” offered a unique request to the audience at the film’s premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival: a moment of quiet contemplation with their seats. “When you get up, when you’re done with the movie, I would like for you to stand, turn around, look at your seat, and think, ‘Who are you? And where are you going tonight?’” Kramer’s unconventional prompt speaks to the film’s core themes of identity, connection, and finding beauty in the unexpected.
“By Design” centers around Camille, a woman portrayed by Juliette Lewis, who experiences a profound shift in perspective – quite literally – when she finds herself inhabiting the form of a chair. This premise, while seemingly absurd, serves as a vehicle for Kramer to explore deeper questions about societal expectations and the search for meaning. The film, which premiered on January 23, 2025, and had a theatrical release on February 13, 2026, has already garnered attention for its audacious vision and complex narrative.
The genesis of “By Design” stemmed from Kramer’s observation of a seemingly commonplace phenomenon: the tendency to idolize celebrities rather than appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship behind their appearance. As Kramer explained, she began to question why people fixate on the person wearing a beautiful dress instead of the dress itself. This thought experiment led her to consider the possibility of finding beauty and fulfillment in inanimate objects, ultimately inspiring the story of a woman who longs to *be* a chair.
A Singular Vision at Sundance
Ash Hoyle, a programmer for the NEXT section at Sundance, described “By Design” as a perfect fit for the festival’s ethos. “Folks always ask us, what makes a NEXT film? What makes this section what it is? And it’s kind of indefinable, which is the point,” Hoyle said. “But every once in a while a film comes along that feels definitional of this section, and this is definitely one of them. We were drawn to the simplicity and the vigor of this vision, and the pure audacity of making such a movie as this.”
Central to bringing Kramer’s vision to life was Juliette Lewis, whose performance as Camille is described as both heartbreaking and captivating. Lewis reportedly said “yes” to the role after reading only a portion of the script, later laughing about the realization that she would spend much of the film in a largely static state. Despite the unconventional demands of the role, Lewis found a deep resonance with Camille’s struggles and her desire to be seen and understood.
Exploring Connection and Longing
The film also features strong supporting performances from Mamoudou Athie as Olivier, the chair’s new owner, and Robin Tunney and Samantha Mathis as Camille’s friends. Athie portrays Olivier as a character who struggles with human connection, finding solace in the inanimate object without realizing its extraordinary secret. The dynamic between Camille (as a chair) and Olivier explores themes of longing and the search for intimacy in a disconnected world.
Even Camille’s mother, played by Betty Buckley, appears largely unfazed by her daughter’s transformation, continuing her daily routines as if nothing has changed. This subtle detail underscores the film’s commentary on the superficiality of human relationships and the ease with which people can become invisible in their own lives.
From Concept to Screen
The project began to take shape in September 2024, when Juliette Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Samantha Mathis, Robin Tunney, Udo Kier, Clifton Collins Jr., and Betty Buckley joined the cast, with Amanda Kramer writing and directing. Filming took place in Los Angeles. The film’s production companies include Cold Iron Pictures and Smudge Films, with distribution handled by Music Box Films.
As Lewis succinctly put it, “It’s really a movie…where I saw someone who wants to be seen and isn’t seen, and just every dimension of the film I felt I related to.” This sentiment encapsulates the emotional core of “By Design,” a film that challenges audiences to reconsider their perceptions of beauty, identity, and the search for meaning in a world often preoccupied with superficiality.
“By Design” offers a thought-provoking and unconventional cinematic experience, prompting viewers to question their own relationships with objects and the people around them. With a box office of $20,281 as of February 20, 2026, the film continues to generate discussion and critical attention as it reaches a wider audience.
What comes next for “By Design” remains to be seen, but its unique premise and compelling performances suggest it will continue to resonate with audiences long after the credits roll. Share your thoughts on the film’s intriguing concept in the comments below.
