Friends may enter and exit your life, but true friends often feel like family.

This kind of close, sisterly bond is central to “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat,” which is now available for streaming on Hulu.

Directed by Tina Mabry and based on the 2013 novel by Edward Kelsey Moore, the film tells the story of three young women – Odette, Clarice, and Barbara Jean. It explores their unique challenges at birth, their journey to self-discovery as young women in the 1960s, and how they navigate various concerns as married women in the 1990s.

Watching these three Black women draw strength from their struggles is moving, though occasionally predictable, and might just inspire you to reach out to your closest friends for a hug or a text.

Here are four key takeaways “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” shares about the value of friendship, reminding us of the great moments we’ve had with our best friends.

Lesson 1: Don’t let differences stop you from making new friends

Odette (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, alongside Kyanna Simone as young Odette) is courageous and vocal but struggles to ask for help. Clarice (Uzo Aduba, with Abigail Achiri as young Clarice) is a gifted pianist who deals with pressures of perfection. Meanwhile, Barbara Jean (Sanaa Lathan, featuring Tati Gabrielle as young Barbara Jean) hails from a challenging background and is on a tough path to find her stability and self-worth.

They embrace one another’s differences and take the time to understand and uplift one another, celebrating their achievements along the way.

While the young actresses shine, the chemistry between Aduba, Lathan, and Ellis-Taylor is palpable, and it’s a pity there’s only so much of their dynamic on screen. It’s refreshing to see a film focus on older Black women and what truly matters to them. One can only wish for more depth in their story.

This film reminds us to take some time to have meaningful conversations with our closest friends if it’s been a while. Discuss your hopes or plans, or even create a bucket list or vision board together. Plus, don’t hesitate to welcome new friends into your circle.

Lesson 2: Consider forming a group name for your friends

The main characters affectionately refer to themselves as “The Supremes,” a name bestowed upon them by the paternal Big Earl at their cherished diner, reminiscent of the renowned Motown group that featured Diana Ross, Florence Ballard, and Mary Wilson.

Every time they mention this name, it serves as a source of pride or a gesture of reinforcing their bond.

Having a fun group name can be unifying and may even add a hint of mystery to your friendship. A quirky title for your group chat can spark laughter and strengthen your connection.

Lesson 3: Stand up for your friends

In the early parts of the film, Odette is ready to physically defend Barbara Jean from her stepfather after Barbara Jean’s mother passes away.

They welcome her into their friendship circle and help her secure a better living situation.

Their friendship helps them rise above family hardships and frightening health crises. They confront generational issues and disregard the naysayers, standing together to prove them wrong.

They learn to appreciate one another’s strengths, but this does not mean their ties are devoid of hard conversations, only softened by affection.

While I’m not saying you should go as far as to physically confront others for your friends, it’s essential to support one another. Sometimes, a simple “I’ve got your back, and you’re doing fantastic” can make someone’s day much brighter.

Lesson 4: Establish a favorite hangout

As the story unfolds, although much changes, one constant remains: The women frequently gather at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat diner. They even have a special table that the owner keeps just for them.

It’s a place where they can gather and enjoy each other’s company, despite the chaos of life.

The restaurant holds a special significance, making it an ideal spot for friends to reconnect regularly, much like a favorite hangout in a small town.

While our lives may not resemble a classic sitcom where everyone is familiar, creating a consistent meeting place or activity can certainly encourage more frequent gatherings.

This reveals how essential it is to spend quality moments with friends, even when our schedules become hectic.

Maintaining our friendships solely through social media interactions and text conversations isn’t enough. The story “The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat” vividly reminds us of how quickly time flies and how dramatically circumstances can shift. Simply liking a photo online doesn’t compare to sharing a warm hug with friends in person whenever possible.