By: Lana K. Wilson-Combs
"The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat" is a mouthful of a movie title, and it might even evoke memories of the iconic Motown girl group, ("The Supremes"), but this heartfelt coming-of-age drama transcends its catchy name.
Set in 1950s Indiana, the film explores the lives of three inseparable friends, delving into their personal trials and triumphs as they navigate the complexities of friendship, family, and self-discovery across decades of change.
Directed and co-written by
Tina Mabry, (TV's "Women of the Movement"), and
Gina Prince-Bythewood ("Nappily Ever After"), the film, which is now streaming on
Hulu, adapts
Edward Kelsey Moore's 2013 novel with sincerity and depth.
It offers a poignant portrayal of the era's racial tensions, societal expectations, and personal aspirations.
The story centers on Odette (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, "Origin" and "The Color Purple"), Clarice (Uzo Aduba, "Greedy People"), and Barbara Jean (Sanaa Lathan, TV's "Harley Quinn").
Nicknamed "The Supremes" by Big Earl (Tony Winters, TV's "Churchy"), the friendly owner of the diner where they often gather, these women share their lives over meals, discussing everything from fashion and music to relationships. Earl's diner serves as a comforting haven for their camaraderie.
The narrative unfolds largely through Odette's perspective, portrayed as a teen by
Kyanna Simone (TV's "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty"). Her backstory, including her unusual birth in a sycamore tree, reveals how this traumatic event shaped her resilience and fearlessness.
Clarice, played by Aduba as an adult and
Abigail Achiri (TV's "The Underground Railroad") as a teenager, grapples with her own complexities and quirks.
Meanwhile, Barbara Jean, (Lathan) and
Tati Gabrielle (TV's "You") as a young woman, struggles with the shadow of her troubled past, including a mysterious birth and estranged father, leading to personal demons and a dependence on alcohol.
Despite their individual challenges—health scares, infidelity, family losses, and other struggles—their unwavering support for each other is a testament to their enduring bond. The film's depiction of their setbacks and triumphs elicits empathy and hope, making the characters' victories all the more satisfying.
At times, however, there are so many obstacles they go through, that you desperately hope and root that something good will happen to them.
And as good as the women are in "The Supremes At Earl's All-You-Can-Eat,"--can't forget Donna Bisco ("Freedom Hair")-- the film also features strong performances from its supporting male cast, including Mekhi Phifer ("Long Gone Heroes"), Russell Hornsby, (TV's "Mike"), Vondie Curtis-Hall ("Raymond & Ray"), Cleveland Berto ("Terminator: Dark Fate"), and Julian McMahon ("The Surfer").
"The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat" is more than a story of friendship and survival; it’s a hearty and satisfying celebration of the resilience of the human spirit.
"The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat" is currently streaming on
Hulu.
Editor's Note: Be sure to catch my N2Entertainment.net movie talk segment on the Kitty O'Neal Show Fridays now at 5:17 p.m. and 6:47 p.m. on radio station KFBK 93.1 FM and 1530 AM.
Look At This Trailer For
"THE SUPEREMES AT EARL'S ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT"
Lana K. Wilson-Combs is a member of the Broadcast Film Critics Association (BFCA), The American Film Institute (AFI), and a Nominating Committee Voting Member for the NAACP Image Awards.
