“Analysis of ‘By Design’ Reveals Objectification of Women”
## Film Review: By Design
Andrea Kramer’s “By Design” (2026) presents a surreal and satirical take on the entanglement of femininity, consumerism, and envy within mass culture. Juliette Lewis stars as Camille, a woman yearning to be seen, who finds herself inexplicably swapping places with a coveted chair — a Baumann dining chair, to be precise — in a chic Los Angeles furniture studio. This transformation follows Camille’s intense desire for an item she cannot afford, inciting a whimsical narrative that critiques societal obsessions.
The film effortlessly blends humor with poignant social commentary. Camille’s metamorphosis into a chair brings her a newfound simplicity; she finds contentment in being an object of admiration, contrasting her human existence that craved recognition. Her friends, Lisa (Samantha Mathis) and Irene (Robin Tunney), exemplify consumer culture’s shallow competitiveness, desiring what Camille has even when she becomes inanimate.
As the film progresses, “By Design” tweaks traditional body-swap tropes. It uses colorful, vintage-inspired aesthetics, created by Grace Surnow and Sophie Hardeman, to emphasize consumerism’s visual allure while critiquing its impact on identity and relationships. The quirky narrative becomes delightfully absurd — a dinner party attended by Chair Camille parallels the whimsical decadence of “Alice in Wonderland” and “Eyes Wide Shut,” featuring a cast of eccentric characters like Udo Kier’s Aldo Fabbari.
Yet, amid the comedy, the film does not shy away from darker themes. It addresses the subtle, and sometimes overt, violence against women: from Camille’s passive existence ignored by her loved ones to the physical abuse evident on her mother’s face. These elements serve as a critique of the societal norms that equate women with objects, both admired and exploited.
“By Design” challenges audiences with uncomfortable reflections on objectification and desire, leaving viewers to ponder the fine line between longing for beauty and denying human worth. This poignant yet bizarre cinematic experience is a must-watch for fans of surreal storytelling that packs a thematic punch. Now screening in select theaters nationwide, “By Design” invites audiences to sit back and contemplate what it means to truly be seen.