Shock and horror ensued this weekend as groups of students who attended SUMO screenings of Hamnet (2025) were astonished upon discovering that no ham nor nets were provided.
Among the upset groups was the Carleton Fishing Club, who were expecting an event focused on net fishing. President Goldie Clearwater, ’26 said, “Fishing Club doesn’t receive a lot of support on campus, so we were excited at the possibility of an event centered around a lesser-known style of fishing and the opportunity to collaborate with a bigger organization like SUMO to bring in attention. Instead, it was just a movie about William Shakespeare’s son.”
Another club member, Sara Berongoy, ’28 added on, “Who even knew Shakespeare had a son? Not me. We were very disappointed when we arrived. I wish he had had a fish — maybe he could’ve written a better play.”
But the Fishing Club is not alone in their shock. Jamie Butcher, ’29, interpreted the film’s title as a long-awaited promise of snacks at SUMO screenings. “Honestly, my biggest complaint with the SUMO movies is that there’s no snacks provided. I think every event on campus should provide snacks, so I was very hopeful. I’ve always really enjoyed those little snack boxes with the cheese, egg, and salami at Sayles, although I only ever eat the salami.”
When asked if they thought ham was an odd snack to provide at a movie showing, Butcher responded, “Well sure, I thought ham was a weird snack to provide. But I’m just happy for any free food.” They continued, saying,“And, you know, whole ham usually comes in a net-like packaging. So, I figured they were just talking about that with the whole net thing. Hey, do you think they named him that after that netting? Or did the existence of Hamnet inspire butchers to wrap hams in nets?”
Not everyone at the screening was disappointed in the film, though. English Department SDA Ophelia Dawson, ’27, enthusiastically lauded the movie. “I thought the movie was amazing. At one point, I was crying so hard, I choked on my own tears. It’s such a beautifully haunting story, and it’s been driving me mad since I watched it!”
Others were just confused, including Claude Gable, ’26, a CAMS major. Gable initiated his interview himself, expressing his shock at the whole debacle. “I was surprised to see so many people confused about what Hamnet was. Like, do you not pay attention to awards season? Hamnet has eight Oscars nominations! I just don’t understand some people. Why would Weitz be hosting an event about fishing? Or an event about, what, ham? In the movie theater? There’s no food or drinks allowed!”
Clearly, a major communication breakdown occurred surrounding the film, but all is not lost! Some see the misunderstandings as an opportunity for growth, such as Jane Doe, ’28, who said “I wasn’t expecting ham or nets. But I think it’s a fun idea to do themed snacks!”
Regardless of any mass confusion, this seems to still be worth watching. But if you want a ham snack with it, make sure to bring your own!