Current:Home > ScamsThe lessons we learned about friendship from 'The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat' -Clarity Finance Guides
The lessons we learned about friendship from 'The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat'
View
Date:2025-04-16 14:04:31
Friends can come in and out of your life. But the very best ones feel like family.
This sort of close, sister-like friendship is the foundation of "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat," streaming now on Hulu.
The new movie, directed by Tina Mabry and adapted from the 2013 novel by Edward Kelsey Moore, follows three young women − Odette, Clarice and Barbara Jean − and depicts their unusual births, how they find each other and themselves as young women in the 1960s, and their experiences navigating new worries as older married women in the 1990s.
Watching these three Black women find strength amid struggles is sweet, if cliched at times, and it may have you running to hug or text your best friends.
Here are four ways "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat" teaches the importance of friendship and had us reminiscing about the best times with our besties.
Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.
Join our Watch Party!Sign up to receive USA TODAY's movie and TV recommendations right in your inbox
Lesson 1: Don't let differences keep you from making new friends
Odette (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, with Kyanna Simone as young Odette) is fearless and outspoken, but avoids asking for help. Clarice (Uzo Aduba, with Abigail Achiri as young Clarice) is a talented pianist who stresses about perfection. And Barbara Jean (Sanaa Lathan, with Tati Gabrielle as young Barbara Jean) comes from a troubled home, facing a difficult journey to find stability and learn her worth.
They don't judge each other for their differences. Instead, they truly take the time to get to know and support each other, while also celebrating successes.
The young actresses in the movie are fine, but Aduba, Lathan and Ellis-Taylor work so well together, it's a shame that we don't get to see more of their group dynamic in the limited screen time they have. It's especially refreshing to center a film on older Black women and what's important to them. I just wish there had been more of it.
Maybe it's a good reminder to make some time to have a heart-to-heart with your bestie if it's been a while, talk about your dreams or desires, or even make a bucket list or vision board. And don't be afraid to add new friends to your group.
Lesson 2: Consider creating a friend group name
The women at the center of the film call themselves "The Supremes," a nickname given to them by the fatherly Big Earl over at their favorite diner, a reference to the famous Motown vocal group whose main members were Diana Ross, Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson.
Each time they use the name, they say it with pride or as a way of reaffirming their bond.
There's something unifying and maybe even a little mysterious about having a group name with your besties. Even just putting a humorous title on the group chat may bring a giggle − and bring you closer.
'Girlfriends' at 20:Stars including Tracee Ellis Ross remember the series
Lesson 3: Fight for your friends
Early in the film, when best friends Odette and Clarice meet Barbara Jean, Odette is ready to fight − literally, physically − to protect Barbara Jean, who is in danger from her stepfather after her mother dies.
They end up pulling her into their friend group and helping her find a better living situation.
Through family tragedy and scary medical emergencies, the women lift each other up. They navigate generational traumas and ignore the haters − and fight to prove those haters wrong, too.
They come to see the best in each other, but that doesn't mean their relationships are free of hard truths, just softened by love.
I'm not recommending you ponder punching people to protect your pals, but remember to watch out for each other. Sometimes a simple "I've got your back, you're doing great" is all someone needs to brighten their day.
So, you've outgrown your friends:You're not alone.
Lesson 4: Find a favorite place
Times change in the film, but one place stays mostly the same: The women regularly visit Earl's All-You-Can-Eat diner. The friends even have their own table, which the owner reserves for them.
The restaurant is a familiar place where they can meet and catch up, no matter what else is going on.
I know life isn't exactly a small-town sitcom where everyone knows your name at the local coffee place, but establishing a comforting location or activity as a regular meet-up may help make getting together more routine.
It underscores the importance of spending time with friends, being in each other's company, even when life gets busy.
Our friendships can't thrive on connecting through social media and chats alone. And "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat" only drives home how quickly the years pass and how life can change overnight. Hitting like on their latest photo isn't enough. Hug your friends in-person as often as you can.
veryGood! (785)
Related
- South Korean president's party divided over defiant martial law speech
- Trump blasted for saying immigrants are poisoning the blood of our country
- Jordan Davis nearly turned down his viral moment on Eagles' Christmas album
- Google to pay $700M in antitrust settlement reached with states before recent Play Store trial loss
- Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches
- Good news for late holiday shoppers: Retailers are improving their delivery speeds
- Inside the landfill of fast-fashion: These clothes don't even come from here
- Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels opts-out of LSU bowl game vs. Wisconsin
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- Turkey links Sweden’s NATO bid to US approving F-16 jet sales and Canada lifting arms embargo
Ranking
- Whoopi Goldberg is delightfully vile as Miss Hannigan in ‘Annie’ stage return
- Russell Brand questioned by London police over 6 more sexual offense claims, UK media say
- Long-delayed Minnesota copper-nickel mining project wins a round in court after several setbacks
- Gogl-mogl: old world home remedy that may comfort — even if it doesn't cure
- Brianna LaPaglia Reveals The Meaning Behind Her "Chickenfry" Nickname
- Jonathan Majors Found Guilty of Assault and Harassment in Domestic Violence Case
- Shawn Johnson and Andrew East Have a Golden Reaction to Welcoming Baby No. 3
- This Is Your Last Chance to Save on Gifts at Anthropologie’s 40% off Sale on Cozy Clothes, Candles & More
Recommendation
Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
When a quick telehealth visit yields multiple surprises beyond a big bill
Is black pepper good for you? Try it as a substitute.
Holiday gift ideas from Techno Claus for 2023
Who's hosting 'Saturday Night Live' tonight? Musical guest, how to watch Dec. 14 episode
NCAA athletes who’ve transferred multiple times can play through the spring semester, judge rules
UW-Madison launches program to cover Indigenous students’ full costs, including tuition and housing
Michigan mother found guilty of murder in starvation death of her disabled 15-year-old son