6.1
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By Design
1982·Movie
·1h 32min·
By Design fingerprint
Strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension4
- Fast Pace3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Romantic and hopeful
Much of it is about family.
- Family Dynamics9
- Romance8
- Hopefulness8
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Situational Comedy3
- Cringe Humor2
World
Everyday modern life, family, and society
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout characters, performances, and dialogue
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
By Design is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence0Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumRomantic and hopeful
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's romantic and hopeful. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance8Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness8Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Nostalgia3Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and society
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and society.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout characters, performances, and dialogue
The characters, performances, and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchThought-Provoking
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Angie and Helen are in love. They live and work together designing women's evening wear in Vancouver. When Helen decides she wants to have a baby, the pair set out to find a suitable sperm donor.
LGBTQ+ RomanceFamily Building DramaContemporary RelationshipsCharacter-DrivenThought-ProvokingSocially RelevantSlice-of-LifeHopeful NarrativeEmotional DepthRelationship Drama
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Composed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about By Design
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is By Design worth watching?
64
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 64/100 (IMDb 6.1, Rotten Tomatoes 57%, and Metacritic 80). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is By Design?
1 h 32 min
By Design runs 1 h 32 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on By Design?
Critics69
Audiences61
Not quite. Critics rate By Design higher (69) than audiences (61). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
What language is By Design in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in Canada.