In recent years, horror has dominated the movie scene, with creepy thrills and jump scares capturing our collective anxiety. But “One of Them Days,” starring Keke Palmer and SZA in her big-screen debut, is a refreshing reminder of the joy that comedy can bring — even during tough times.
While horror has done a good job channeling our current fears, comedy has always had the power to lift our spirits during dark days — and this film proves it. Set in Los Angeles, where wildfires were raging at the time of its release, One of Them Days feels like a cool breeze in an otherwise tense movie landscape.
Though it’s a buddy comedy, it’s hard not to focus on Palmer’s performance. SZA, in her acting debut, holds her own as Alyssa, a struggling artist. But this is Palmer’s show. She plays Dreux, a Los Angeles waitress who embarks on a frantic day-long mission to raise the rent money after her roommate hands it over to a sketchy boyfriend. The movie’s plot might sound simple, but its execution is a throwback to ‘90s comedies, with a vibe reminiscent of Friday.
Director Lawrence Lamont, producer Issa Rae, and writer Syreeta Singleton keep the tone grounded, mixing realism with a few exaggerated moments for fun. The characters are relatable, navigating a working-class life where every small step forward seems to be met with a setback. Dreux and Alyssa live in Baldwin Village, an area known as “The Jungles,” and when they need to raise $1,500 in a hurry to avoid eviction, the film kicks into high gear with a ticking-clock countdown.
The satire is sharp, especially in its portrayal of how tough it is to break out of the paycheck-to-paycheck grind. One scene shows Dreux and Alyssa visiting a payday loan place, where they’re offered a ridiculous 1,900.5% APR. The agent, played by Keyla Monterroso Mejia, is both hilarious and terrifying in her joy over their bad credit scores.
Along the way, they meet a colorful cast of characters, including Katt Williams as a wise homeless man, Vanessa Bell Calloway as a stripper-turned-blood-bank worker, Maude Apatow as a quirky new neighbor, and Janelle James as a villainous ex of Alyssa’s boyfriend. The most dangerous person in their world isn’t a gangster (played by Amin Joseph) but rather the shady Keshawn (Joshua David Neal), who’s responsible for the whole mess.
Fans of Issa Rae’s Insecure will recognize some familiar themes here, especially the struggles of Black women trying to make it in Los Angeles while juggling romantic interests. Dreux’s crush, Maniac (Patrick Cage), is a slick guy who might be hiding a criminal side, adding a little more complication to her already hectic day.
Even though the stakes feel relatively low — they’re mostly trying to raise rent money and avoid eviction — that’s part of what makes One of Them Days so charming. It doesn’t need to be over-the-top or packed with cameos. The film works because it gives space for the relationship between Palmer and SZA to shine.
SZA is effortlessly cool on-screen, and her performance is refreshingly natural. But it’s Palmer who steals the show. Her wit and energy are undeniable, whether she’s delivering a punchline or navigating a crisis. After wowing audiences in Jordan Peele’s Nope, Palmer brings her A-game to this film. She’s the kind of actress who can make even the most mundane situations feel exciting. One of Them Days is the perfect platform to showcase her range: scrappy, unstoppable, and full of life.
With a runtime of 97 minutes, One of Them Days offers a breezy, fun escape — and a much-needed reminder that comedy can be as powerful as any thriller. It’s rated R for language, sexual material, and brief drug use, but it’s worth the watch. Three stars out of four.
