Coming-of-Age Rituals and “Ham on Rye”

Today, Tyler Taormina’s strange and wonderful first feature Ham on Rye makes its OVID debut. This eerie and arch satire on teenage rites of passage is a widely acclaimed must-see, and we are so excited to share it with you.

Ham on Rye draws much of its surreal (and sometimes creepy) inspiration from one of the most quintessential coming of age rituals in contemporary American society: the prom. And while it’s not currently prom season, the internet lets us travel back in time to experience the 1986 Forest Hills High School prom in all its 80s glory. At the eleven minute mark, these Queens teenagers start dancing to indelible hits like Miami Sound Machine’s “The Conga,” “Sussudio” by Phil Collins, and most appropriately, “The Time Warp.” This would be something fun to have on in the background while you do your weekend chores, or as an appetizer before settling in for some Ham on Rye. Hairspray and shoulder pads are completely optional!