By Design is a surrealist comedy-drama that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2025 and arrives in U.S. theaters on February 13, 2026.
Directed by Amanda Kramer, the film blends absurdist satire, avant-garde performance art, and unsettling erotic metaphor. Despite its body-swap premise, this is not a light or family-friendly story.
The film stars Juliette Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, with narration by Melanie Griffith, alongside Samantha Mathis and Robin Tunney. Its tone is intentionally strange, slow, and symbolic, often closer to gallery art than mainstream cinema.
Official Age Rating and Parents’ Guide
Suggested for Mature Audiences (Adults 17+)
While unrated, the film contains material that would be inappropriate or confusing for children and most teens. Its themes, tone, and imagery clearly place it outside family or teen-friendly viewing.
Sexual Content and Erotic Themes
Sexual themes are a major part of the film’s identity. Critics have described the movie as “pseudosexual” and “erotic,” with repeated sensual imagery involving an inanimate object. Several sequences depict choreographed seduction and intimacy between the male lead and the chair, which is later revealed to house Camille’s consciousness.
These moments are metaphorical but still sexual in tone and intention. The film explores desire, objectification, and fetishization in ways that may feel provocative or uncomfortable, especially for younger viewers.
Disturbing and Unsettling Material
One supporting character, played by Clifton Collins Jr., is portrayed as a violent sexual predator. This character is involved in a disturbing sequence involving Camille’s physical body while her soul is elsewhere. Although the scene is stylized, the implication is clear and intentionally disturbing.
The film also carries an uneasy, surreal atmosphere throughout, with long silences, exaggerated performances, and imagery meant to unsettle rather than reassure.
Language and Adult Dialogue
The script contains frequent profanity and dry, sarcastic dialogue reminiscent of Adult Swim–style humor. Conversations often revolve around sex, aging, resentment, and social invisibility. The language and tone are firmly aimed at adults.
Mature Themes and Psychological Complexity
At its core, By Design explores heavy adult themes, including the invisibility of aging women, self-worth, midlife dissatisfaction, and emotional alienation. The body-swap is not explained through fantasy rules but used as an abstract metaphor.
The film’s slow pacing, interpretive dance sequences, and symbolic storytelling demand patience and emotional maturity. Younger viewers are likely to feel confused rather than engaged.
Is By Design Appropriate for Teens?
Ages 17 and Under: Not Recommended. The R rating alone makes this film unsuitable for most teens. The sexualized symbolism, disturbing character behavior, and abstract storytelling are not designed for adolescent audiences.
Older Teens (16–17): Very Limited Exceptions. Highly mature older teens with a strong interest in experimental cinema or surrealist art may understand the film on an intellectual level. Even then, parental discretion is strongly advised due to the sexual and disturbing content.
Adults (18+): Recommended Audience. This film is clearly made for adults, especially cinephiles who enjoy avant-garde storytelling and metaphor-driven narratives. Viewers familiar with surreal or “Lynchian” films are most likely to appreciate it.
Overall recommendation: Suitable for adults only.
What Parents Should Know Before Watching
- Be aware that sexual imagery is symbolic but explicit in tone and intention.
- Prepare for unsettling scenes involving power, objectification, and predatory behavior.
- Expect slow pacing and abstract storytelling rather than a traditional narrative.
Official Trailer
FAQs
Q: What is the age rating for By Design?
A: By Design is rated R for sexual content, language, and disturbing themes.
Q: Is By Design suitable for teens?
A: No. The film contains adult sexual symbolism and unsettling material.
Q: Can teenagers watch By Design?
A: Most teens should not watch it. Only very mature older teens might understand it, with guidance.
Q: Does the film include sexual scenes?
A: Yes. There are erotic and sensual sequences, including symbolic intimacy with an inanimate object.
Q: Is the movie violent or scary?
A: It is not traditionally violent but includes disturbing behavior and unsettling situations.
Q: Where can I watch By Design?
A: The film opens in U.S. theaters on February 13, 2026, following its festival run.