While the new movie The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat explores the beauty of female friendships through the lens of three lifelong friends, and delves into the emotional depths of black men and the importance of giving them space to be vulnerable.

The film, which follows the lives of three characters: Barbara Jean (Sanaa Lathan), Clarice (Uzo Aduba) and Odette (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor), depicts a world where three black women not only explore the highs and lows of life, but do so together, highlighting that kindred spirits can be found within platonic friendships.

Additionally, the film sheds light on the nuances of romantic relationships and what happens when it comes time to activate the “in sickness and in health” clause often found in a couple’s wedding vows.

For James (Mekhi Phifer), the sentiment resonated with the storyline involving his wife, Odette, and how he needed to show up in their marriage, especially since she’s the character who would be the epitome of what it means to be the “strong friend” among The Supremes.

Phifer explained how his character can open up a larger conversation about Black men and their emotions, showing the importance of being in tune with your feelings and being comfortable expressing them, especially in a culture where Black men aren’t always open about their feelings or aren’t always open about them.

“I had to tap into an area,” Phifer recalled during an interview with Blavity’s Shadow and Act. “We all have different emotions 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 focused on developing not only her but them as a unit, and that’s something I’ve had to learn over the years.”

“As young men, specifically black men, we’re never taught to value ourselves in the same way that women are taught to value themselves in a lot of ways,” he continued. “So no one teaches us that quality over quantity is really the structure and the focus that a man should be on. That’s really what I wanted to bring to light as far as James is concerned.”

While James was the ideal husband, Clarice’s husband, Richmond (Russell Hornsby), could be an example of everything a partner should not be to his wife. Yet, despite his flaws, no-nonsense friend Odette ultimately affirms that he still has great qualities within him.

“I think Odette is asking Richmond to find the goodness within herself, and I think Odette is challenging Richmond and saying, ‘I know you have more to give than what you’ve given, and I know you’re a better person than what 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 to me, you realize that everyone has good in them, so it’s really about taking the time to find the goodness that you have within yourself.”

The Supremes at Earl’s All-You-Can-Eat is now streaming on Hulu.