Designed for Death

After a dramatic home renovation, Ava, a skilled interior decorator, becomes obsessed with the house's handsome owner. What begins as admiration gradually grows into an all consuming fixation that alters her behavior and judgment. She pours herself into the project and lets fantasies about a perfect life slip into reality, threatening to upend everyone around her. As the line between ambition and fixation blurs, the house seems to mirror the tension and danger of her choices. The story follows Ava as her craft and desire intertwine, pulling her toward decisions that may cost her more than she ever anticipated. The tone blends creeping tension with glossy visuals of home design, turning a renovation into a moral lure. As new threats emerge, Ava's choices ripple through the lives of those nearby, forcing her to weigh what she wants against what she harms.

Designed for Death premiered in 2021 as a television movie directed by Jessica Janos, with the project credited to creator David Chester. It appears to be an original concept rather than an adaptation. The cast features Kelcie Stranahan as Ava, with Matthew Pohlkamp and Ashlynn Judy supporting. The production leans on tight indoor spaces and moody lighting to heighten the suspense.

Box office data for Designed for Death is not publicly reported, as the film aired on television rather than in theaters. Because it is a TV movie, there is no traditional box office total to report and viewership numbers are not widely shared.

Reception appears modest, with a 4.5 out of 10 average from six votes. The film centers on obsession and control, showing how a designer's ambition can morph into danger when personal boundaries collapse, without losing sight of its stylish surface.

Cultural impact is limited, with no widely cited quotes or scenes that echo beyond its viewing circle. Given its niche release, it has not sparked widespread discussion or influence, and it remains a minor entry in the thriller subgenre.