Juliette Lewis in By Design @Sundance 2025

The Sundance Film Festival 2025 will play host to the world premiere of By Design, the latest cinematic offering from Amanda Kramer. Renowned for her audacious storytelling and visually arresting style, Kramer presents a surreal exploration of identity, desire, and human connection in this uniquely crafted tale. Starring the ever-compelling Juliette Lewis as Camille, By Design is an inventive narrative about the peculiar intersections of love, self-perception, and material obsession. With its intriguing premise and Kramer’s bold artistic lens, the film promises to be one of the most talked-about entries of the festival.

At its core, By Design tells the story of Camille, a woman who exists in the shadows of her friendships, serving as a vessel for others’ self-absorption. When her fixation on an unattainable chair spirals into an extraordinary act of transformation, the narrative takes an unexpected turn. The chair, now central to Camille’s identity, finds its way into the life of Olivier, a beautiful and enigmatic piano player-for-hire, portrayed by Mamoudou Athie.

The connection between these characters unravels in a poetic and absurd exploration of longing and reinvention. With a mix of dark humor, surrealist imagery, and poignant commentary on human relationships, By Design is set to captivate Sundance audiences and further solidify Amanda Kramer’s reputation as a groundbreaking storyteller. FERNTV says to grab a chair and enjoy this film!