While the new film The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat explores the beauty of female friendship through the eyes of three lifelong friends, but also shows the emotional depths of black men and the importance of giving them the space to be vulnerable.
Following the lives of three characters Barbara Jean (Sanaa Lathan), Clarice (Uzo Aduba) and Odette (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor), the film depicts a world where three black women not only explore the ups and downs of life, but do so side by side, emphasizing the fact that soul mates can be found even in platonic friendships.
In addition, the film explores the nuances of romantic relationships and shows what happens when the “for better or for worse” clause that often appears in a couple’s wedding vows is activated.
For James (Mekhi Phifer), this sentiment was reflected in the storyline with his wife Odette, showing how important it was to him to prove himself in their marriage, especially since she is the character who represents the epitome of what it means to be a “strong friend” among the Supremes.
Phifer explained how his character could spark a larger conversation about black men and their feelings by showing the power of being in tune with one’s feelings and not being afraid to express them – especially in a culture where black men are not always open and in tune with their feelings.
“I had to learn a field,” Phifer recalled in an interview with Blavity’s Shadow and Act. “We all have different emotional scales and different ways of expressing ourselves and things that you learn over the years. What I loved about James was his undying love and loyalty to his wife. He was very keen on developing not just her but them as a unit, and I had to learn that over the years.”
“As young men, more specifically as black men, we’re never taught to value ourselves in the way that women are raised to in many ways,” he continued. “So no one teaches us that quality over quantity is the structure and the focus that a man should really have. That’s basically what I wanted to bring to light in relation to James.”
While James was the ideal husband, Clarice’s husband Richmond (Russell Hornsby) may be an example of everything a partner should not be for his wife. But despite his faults, his tough-guy friend Odette ultimately confirms that there are still great qualities in him.
“I think Odette is challenging Richmond to find the good in himself, and I think Odette is challenging Richmond and saying, ‘I know you have more to give than you’ve given so far, and I know you’re a better person than we’ve seen all these years,'” Hornsby said. “And however you get there, you have to get there. I think that was the meaning, and for myself, it’s clear that everyone has some good in them, so it’s really just about taking the time to find the good that you have in yourself.”
The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat is now streaming on Hulu.
