Overlook Film Festival 2025 – Most of us have had moments where we’ve felt displeasure with our own bodies, stressing over various imperfections. Easybake, written and directed by Sasha Duncan, takes that idea to the extreme after an insecure teen swallows a clay figure that allows her to sculpt her body as she wishes.

Alexis Hope stars as Kami, a high schooler who frets over her body and compares herself to her female classmates, especially her supposed best friend, Max (Sarah Sheehan). Kami wants nothing more than to look good and draw the attention of a boy, Bentley (Alozie LaRose). When Kami swallows the clay figure, she’s suddenly able to mold her body, pressing away the weight, moving her cheek bones, and ironing out what she sees as various imperfections.

Yet, while Kami initially reaps the benefits of her ability to alter her body, including drawing Bentley’s attention, it’s not without severe consequences. One accident in art class, for instance, makes for one heck of a body horror sequence. The special effects in this film look really good, and I wouldn’t be surprised if this short evolves into a feature-length film. There’s a lot here that deserves more time and attention.

Additionally, Hope gives a memorable performance, showcasing her character’s initial vulnerability and displeasure with her looks, before evolving and showing off her newfound confidence. Sheehan, meanwhile, makes for a good mean girl, a fake sort of best friend. The relationship between Hope and Max is yet another positive for this short. It’s fun watching them fight for Bentley’s attention.

Duncan’s Easybake is one heck of a creative concoction, a near-perfect recipe with a few sprinkles of body horror. As writer and director, Duncan deserves credit for such an inventive concept. This film is well done.