A film adaptation of Edward Kelsey Moore’s 2013 novel, The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat, premiered at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival on August 7 and is now available for streaming on Hulu. This touching story has resonated deeply with viewers, many of whom have shared their emotional reactions on social media, calling it a tear-jerker that lingers in the heart.
About the film
The movie follows three best friends, known as “The Supremes,” as they navigate life, love, and their enduring friendship over several decades. Directed by Tina Mabry, it features a talented cast that includes Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Sanaa Lathan, and Uzo Aduba.
Real-life inspirations
According to Decider, Moore revealed in a 2013 interview with Mosaic Magazine that the characters were loosely inspired by the women he grew up around in Indiana. “I didn’t fashion any of the characters in The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat after specific women, but I definitely drew inspiration from the women in my life,” he stated.
Moore also shared that while he didn’t frequent an all-you-can-eat diner like the one central to the women’s friendship, he based Earl’s diner on a buffet he visited with his family. “My dad was a preacher, and we would go to the same buffet place after church,” he explained. “It was just, I don’t know, the second act of church.”
Character connections
One of the main characters, Clarice, portrayed by Uzo Aduba, is a classical pianist, reflecting Moore’s background in classical music. Before becoming a published author, he played as a cellist in orchestras in Chicago.
Moore’s journey to success
The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat is Moore’s debut novel, which he began writing at 48. It quickly became a New York Times bestseller and led to a sequel, The Supremes Sing the Happy Heartache Blues.
This film adaptation highlights the importance of friendship and community and showcases the rich tapestry of African American culture and storytelling. As audiences continue to engage with this heartfelt narrative, it reminds them of the power of shared experiences and the bonds that hold us together.
