LOS ANGELES — The new film ‘By Design’ presents an absurdist drama in which actress Juliette Lewis plays a depressed single woman who transforms into a chair, according to a review by The Guardian.
The premise suggests potential for entertainment, but the execution falls short, resulting in what The Guardian describes as ‘an all but unbearable absurdist drama’ with a hypnotic, Lynchian drift.
The film is directed by Amanda Kramer, whose previous works have featured big names in small appearances with mixed results, according to the review.
Key Facts
- Film: ‘By Design’
- Director: Amanda Kramer
- Star: Juliette Lewis plays a woman who turns into a chair
- Style: Described as a ‘hypnotic Lynchian drama’
- Critical reception: The Guardian calls it ‘an all but unbearable absurdist drama’
The Film’s Central Premise and Execution
The concept of a person turning into a chair sounds playful, but The Guardian notes that the execution disappoints. Instead of visual comedy or creative effects, the film opts for a literal interpretation where Lewis’s character becomes catatonic while her spirit supposedly migrates into a chair.
However, the chair itself shows no unusual behavior or appearance, diminishing what could have been an engaging premise. The review suggests that even the potentially hilarious setup fails to deliver entertainment value.
Amanda Kramer’s Filmmaking Approach
According to The Guardian, director Amanda Kramer’s films often contain ‘big names making small appearances,’ though they are described as puzzling with inconsistent results. The publication previously enjoyed Kramer’s ‘weird reverie’ called ‘Give Me Pity!’ but was less impressed with her 1950s-camp film ‘Please Baby Please.’
The review characterizes Kramer’s films as having a ‘dreamy Lynchian drift,’ which tends to alienate audiences rather than engage them in meaningful storytelling.
Acting Style and Dialogue
The performances in ‘By Design’ receive criticism from The Guardian, noting that actors deliver ‘halting dialogue as if in a hypnotic trance.’ This delivery style mirrors the film’s heavy conceit but contributes to the overall sense of disconnection from viewers.
The review implies that the cast appears ‘paralysed by the film’s heavy conceit,’ suggesting that the script and direction failed to bring vitality to what could have been a compelling narrative device.
What We Know — and What We Don’t
Verified by the source:
- Juliette Lewis stars in ‘By Design’ as a woman who turns into a chair
- The film is directed by Amanda Kramer
- The Guardian described the film as ‘an all but unbearable absurdist drama’
- The chair does not behave differently despite the transformation premise
- Previous Amanda Kramer films include ‘Give Me Pity!’ and ‘Please Baby Please’
Still unconfirmed:
Why It Matters
The film represents ongoing discussions in cinema about experimental storytelling and how absurdist drama influences audience engagement. While some viewers appreciate unconventional narrative approaches, others find them alienating, highlighting the subjective nature of artistic appreciation.
What To Watch
Further reviews from other publications may provide additional perspectives on ‘By Design.’ The film’s reception across broader audiences will determine whether this absurdist drama finds its intended viewership.
The review appears on The Guardian’s website at https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/oct/15/by-design-review-juliette-lewis-turns-into-a-chair-in-hypnotic-lynchian-drama