Sanaa Lathan, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and Uzo Aduba in The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat (Photo Credit: Searchlight Pictures).
From a New York Times bestselling book to a captivating film starring Uzo Aduba, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Sanaa Lathan, The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat is a powerful story that promises to encourage, inspire, and entertain.
This film, presented by Searchlight Pictures, beautifully explores love, friendship, chosen families and the unbreakable bonds that define them.
The story follows three lifelong friends, affectionately known as “The Supremes,” whose enduring closeness stands as a testament to the strength of sisterhood. Through life’s inevitable storms—adversity, heartache, or illness—their bond is tested but remains unwavering and unbreakable.
In an exclusive conversation, New York Times bestselling author Edward Kelsey Moore and Director and Co-writer Tina Mabry delve into the making of The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat with The Chicago Defender.
Edwards Kelsey Moore
What was the inspiration for this book?
The idea began with a conversation I had with a close friend, Terrance, after spending the day together. He asked, ‘Who is the bravest person you know?’ When I returned the question, we both realized our answers were women.
This sparked a reflection on how society perceives bravery differently based on gender. It struck me how our culture interprets male and female bravery in distinct ways. That thought lingered: What if a woman was perceived as incapable of feeling fear? How would people react to her? What would her intimate relationships, romantic relationships and friendships be like? This idea eventually evolved into Odette, and from there, the rest of the novel took shape.
Why the diner?
I wanted a central place for the characters to gather, and the idea felt natural to me. My father was a preacher, and every week after church, we’d go to a buffet. It was a regular part of life, so it made sense for my characters to do the same.
Speaking on the importance of strong bonds between women in the film: “If I’m going to write about women, I’m going to include her friends. I wanted to portray friendships that were nurturing, positive, and supportive—because that’s what I saw growing up.”
Writing about how women bond and come together to navigate life felt natural. When you write about women, you have to write about their friends.
I grew up surrounded by strong, intelligent women, and as a kid, I was always eavesdropping on their conversations—they were far more interesting than what the men talked about.
I never saw these women tearing each other down. Instead, they always found ways to lift each other. That’s why I wrote about powerful friendships.
Let’s talk about race relations. This film covers interracial dating/marriage. Based on the setting of the film, why was it important to include that piece in the film?
It wouldn’t make sense for me to write about an entirely segregated world. You write what you know, and I wanted to focus on Black people living their lives—not merely reacting to the behavior of white people.
A common question I get, especially from white men, is why the book doesn’t feature the Klan. But that was never the story I set out to tell. My focus was on the resilience and perseverance of strong Black women who bond together, uplift each other and ensure mutual success. These women believe in climbing together and encouraging others along the way. Yes, they’ve faced racism, and they’ve overcome it.
I want to write about Black people making their own lives, making their own rules, and doing what they need to do for themselves and their families.
Tina Mabry
When you read the book, what did you say to yourself?
I thought, “Oh my God, this is going to be tough!”
When you’re doing an adaptation, you know that those who’ve read the novel are going to scrutinize every detail. I can’t fit everything into the movie, so the key is to ask, ‘What’s the heartbeat? What’s the soul?’
Some things have to shift for the screen. You have to look at the characters as a whole and amplify them where needed. Throughout the process, I’m always considering the bigger picture. There are three stories: the one you write, the one you shoot and the one you edit—and they will never be the same. Adapting the novel was just another step in this journey.
Then, I had to consider: What does it mean to portray a woman who is completely fearless?
Scene review: Let’s talk about Clarice and Cherokee in the strip club and how Clarice chose empowerment over belittlement.
That scene wasn’t in the book, but I drew inspiration from a line that captures the essence of a potential confrontation without falling into the trope of Black women being angry with each other. Instead, I wanted to explore what it looks like to guide someone coming up behind you.
Cherokee’s situation delves into the experience of passing down wisdom. Clarice could have chosen to tear her down, yet she chose to uplift her instead. Even so, you can feel the jealousy, pain, and hurt in Clarice’s words: “I’m just trying to save a soul.”
We can’t ignore that challenges come from all sides—we must face the complexities of sisterhood with honesty and compassion for others and ourselves.
This isn’t about portraying us as victims or letting others define our narrative. It’s about our journey, with all its complexities—love, hate, challenges—but those aren’t the driving forces of the story. I wanted to avoid the trap of Black trauma bonding and steer clear of how white people perceive us. This story is about how we see ourselves and navigate our own spaces. It’s about how love, complicated as it may be, helps us transcend external perceptions. That’s the kind of love we need to walk through this world.
What is the heartbeat of this film, and what should people look for when they see it?
The heartbeat is the love of a chosen family. Are we capable of loving each other through our highest and lowest points? What does unconditional love between friends truly look like?
What challenges did you face in making the film?
The challenges were largely logistical. It wasn’t about the women or the other cast, but about how to successfully film in just 30 days while staying on time, on budget, and still preserving the heartbeat of the story. It was crucial to keep the entire team aligned to tell the story as intended.
I also wanted to ensure that the audience felt the essence of Earl’s Diner—the church without pews.
What do you want people to take away from this film?
I hope this film offers hope and inspiration, encouraging us all to reflect on our relationships. Who are the Supremes in your life? Boys have Supremes, too. Who is holding you up, and how do you hold them up in return? Who is your chosen family? Equally important, let this film be the embrace you need.
The Hulu original film, which airs on Aug. 23, is a love story about friends born into adversity but overcame all odds. The ladies of The Diner know what it takes to maintain relationships that push them to succeed, no matter the circumstances.
For More Information
What: The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat, starring Uzo Aduba, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Sanaa Lathan.
When and Where: It will be available to stream on Hulu starting Aug. 23.
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