Comedy
United States of America
Ham on Rye is a coming-of-age film that tells the story of a group of teenagers in a suburban town who are subject to a strange rite of passage at the local deli. The deli owner, a mysterious and intimidating figure, forces each teenager to take a bite of a ham sandwich before offering them a job at the deli. Those who can handle the sandwich are seen as strong and capable, while those who choke or vomit are deemed weak and unworthy.
The film follows the lives of several teenagers, including the awkward but likable Daniel, who struggles to fit in and impress his peers. When he finally takes the ham sandwich test and passes, he becomes a part of the deli's inner circle and gains a newfound confidence. However, he soon realizes that there is a dark side to the deli's operations, and that his friends may not be as loyal as he thought.
As the years go by, some of the teenagers escape the town and find success elsewhere, while others are trapped by their loyalty to the deli and its owner. The film explores themes of adolescence, peer pressure, and the search for identity, and features a talented cast of young actors. Ham on Rye is a quirky and thought-provoking film that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.
