Keke Palmer and SZA light up the screen in a riotous, heartfelt comedy about rent, resilience, and friendship in South L.A.
Released in theaters on January 17, 2025, One of Them Days is a rollicking buddy comedy directed by Lawrence Lamont and written by Syreeta Singleton, with production from Issa Rae’s Hoorae Media in collaboration with Sony’s TriStar Pictures. Starring Keke Palmer as Dreux and Grammy-winning artist SZA in her film debut as Alyssa, this 97-minute comedy follows two best friends racing through South Los Angeles to scrape together rent money before a 6 PM eviction. Part hangout movie, part satirical odyssey, One of Them Days blends smart comedy with social commentary, paying homage to 90s classics like Friday and Do the Right Thing, but with a distinctly modern flavor.
Set in a gentrifying apartment complex in Baldwin Village—colloquially known as “The Jungles”—the film plunges Dreux and Alyssa into a spiraling chain of chaotic encounters that shine a spotlight on class, community, and sisterhood, all while delivering belly laughs and unexpected heart.
Genre:Comedy
A Madcap Plot Rooted in Real Struggles
The premise of One of Them Days is as familiar as it is compelling: what do you do when you’re broke, rent is due, and your unreliable boyfriend has made off with your last $1,500? That’s the crisis facing Dreux, a waitress at Norm’s Diner with a dream of becoming a franchise manager, and her best friend Alyssa, an aspiring painter with a romantic soft spot for the wrong guy. When their landlord, Uche, knocks on the door demanding rent, the two realize their savings are gone—and so begins an all-day scramble to raise the cash and keep their apartment.
From botched payday loans and blood bank debacles to electrifying sneaker heists and accidental art exhibits, the film whips through a series of absurd set pieces with crackling energy. A ticking clock motif drives the plot forward, but One of Them Days thrives most in the in-between moments—quick-witted banter, neighborhood detours, and its heartfelt portrait of friendship under pressure.
Keke Palmer Is a Force of Nature
As Dreux, Keke Palmer is magnetic. Her performance fuses grounded realism with big-screen comedic timing. Whether she’s flipping out over rent, trying to act cool around her crush (the hilariously smooth Maniac, played by Patrick Cage), or scrambling through increasingly ridiculous challenges, Palmer keeps Dreux believable. She delivers every joke with sharp timing and manages to carry the emotional weight of the film with grace and grit.
There’s a moment early in the movie when Dreux babbles about honey buns in front of Maniac, her face a whirlwind of nerves, charm, and comic exaggeration. It’s a perfect encapsulation of Palmer’s power—equal parts slapstick and sincerity. If One of Them Days proves anything, it’s that Palmer deserves more lead roles and more vehicles that spotlight her immense talent.
SZA’s Screen Debut Is a Smooth Surprise
Making her feature debut, SZA brings a loose, bohemian charm to Alyssa. She’s the artistic, impulsive yin to Dreux’s ambitious, focused yang. Alyssa drifts through life with a paintbrush in one hand and zero plans in the other, yet her unshakeable loyalty and creative spark make her a lovable and essential part of the duo.
While Palmer does much of the comedic heavy lifting, SZA holds her own, especially in the quieter, character-driven moments. Her soft humor and mellow screen presence contrast nicely with Palmer’s fiery energy. Together, they create a dynamic that feels both nostalgic and fresh—like a Gen Z version of classic odd-couple comedies.
A Vivid, Funny Portrait of South L.A.
From the sun-baked sidewalks to the fast-food windows and the overstuffed apartment courtyards, One of Them Days feels lived-in and alive. Director Lawrence Lamont and cinematographer Ava Berkofsky give the film a vibrant visual identity. Bright colors, quick camera movements, and creative framing—like a split-screen sneaker resale gag—add energy and rhythm to the film’s fast pace.
The setting isn’t just background—it’s a character. The movie doesn’t shy away from the realities of gentrification and poverty, but it also celebrates the humor, resilience, and community spirit that thrive despite them. From neighborhood hustlers to biscuit bandits, every corner of Baldwin Village feels rich with personality.
Supporting Cast Delivers Scene-Stealing Moments
One of Them Days is packed with colorful side characters, many of whom nearly steal the show. Katt Williams as Lucky, the neighborhood’s wise (and slightly wild) philosopher, floats in and out like a cracked-out guardian angel. Janelle James plays an ex-stripper turned incompetent nurse with scene-stealing absurdity. Maude Apatow is perfectly awkward as Bethany, the white newcomer to the building who unknowingly symbolizes the creeping force of gentrification.
Even smaller roles are finely tuned. At the payday loan center, Keyla Monterroso Mejia brings unhinged energy as a rep who cackles at Dreux’s credit score, while Dewayne Perkins adds sparkle as Jameel, the complex’s go-to hair guy. The cast clicks into place like pieces in a chaotic comedy puzzle.
Comedy with a Heartbeat
While much of the movie runs on escalating mishaps and rapid-fire gags, One of Them Days doesn’t forget to pause for real emotion. The friendship between Dreux and Alyssa is the anchor. Their arguments sting, their reconciliation feels earned, and the film’s final act balances slapstick and sincerity with unexpected finesse.
The comedy is self-aware and often surreal—think electrocution on a power pole or a gangster who executes victims by dropping them from parking garages. But beneath the cartoonish flair is a story grounded in economic precarity and emotional truth. This isn’t just about two women trying to pay rent—it’s about scraping together hope when systems fail you and still managing to laugh along the way.
Final Verdict: A Comedy That Earns Its Laughs and Its Love
One of Them Days is the kind of movie that feels both timeless and timely. It’s a throwback to the wild, one-crazy-day comedies of the 90s but told through a lens that feels undeniably of the moment. With whip-smart writing, dynamic direction, and unforgettable performances from Keke Palmer and SZA, it’s proof that mid-budget studio comedies still have a place in theaters—and in our hearts.
The film walks a tonal tightrope between ridiculous and real, and while a few plot points feel overly exaggerated, that’s part of the charm. What matters most is that it entertains—and maybe even uplifts—while painting a loving, messy portrait of modern survival.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)