Keke Palmer & SZA in Raucous Buddy Comedy: One of Them Days Delivers Laughs and Social Commentary
“One of Them Days” Delivers Laughs and Social Commentary in a Chaotic Race Against Rent
For the residents of The Jungles, a bustling Los Angeles neighborhood, the first of the month is a day of dread. It’s when Uche (Rizi Timane), the surly and unrelenting landlord, prowls the apartment complex, collecting rent from tenants living in units that are barely holding together. His policy is simple: Pay up or pack up. This tension sets the stage for the riotous new comedy One of Them Days, a film that blends humor, heart, and sharp social commentary.
When Uche knocks on the door of best friends Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA) to demand their overdue rent, things quickly spiral into chaos. Dreux, a pragmatic and exhausted waitress, insists there must be a mistake—she swears Alyssa paid. But the truth is far messier: Alyssa entrusted her unreliable boyfriend, Keshawn (Joshua David Neal), with the money, and he “borrowed” it to fund his failing faux designer t-shirt business. Now, with just eight hours to scrape together $1,500, Dreux and Alyssa embark on a wild, high-stakes adventure to save their home.
Directed by Lawrence Lamont and written by Syreeta Singleton, One of Them Days is a quintessential tale of survival under capitalism, layered with absurdity and heart. The duo’s frantic quest takes them through a series of increasingly outrageous schemes: They attempt to steal the money back from Keshawn, only to cross paths with his new lover, Berniece (Aziza Scott). They consider donating blood, but a traumatic clinic visit derails that plan. They even weigh the risks of a payday loan, tangling with predatory lenders in one of the film’s most bitingly humorous scenes.
Amid the chaos, Dreux is also juggling a crucial job interview for a promotion at her diner, while Alyssa, a talented but directionless artist, grapples with her poor choice in men. Their journey forces them to confront their dreams, their flaws, and the complexities of their friendship.
Keke Palmer shines as Dreux, delivering a performance that’s equal parts sharp and endearing. Her comedic timing and natural charm elevate the character, making her relatable even in her most rigid moments. SZA, in her acting debut, holds her own as Alyssa, a free spirit who seems plucked straight from one of her own Grammy-winning songs. Together, the duo’s chemistry evokes nostalgia for the kind of female friendships seen in Issa Rae’s previous projects, like Insecure and Rap Sh!t.
The film’s Los Angeles setting becomes a character in its own right, with the city’s vibrant energy and struggles with gentrification serving as a backdrop. Maude Apatow makes a memorable cameo as Bethany, a new tenant in the complex whose pristine, air-conditioned unit starkly contrasts with the crumbling apartments of long-time residents. This disparity fuels the film’s wry social critique, which echoes the tone of shows like The Vince Staples Show and films like They Cloned Tyrone.
While One of Them Days occasionally stumbles in its attempts to balance humor with emotional depth—a pivotal argument between Dreux and Alyssa feels rushed—it more than makes up for it with its laugh-out-loud moments and heartfelt exploration of working-class solidarity.
The film’s supporting cast adds to the fun, with scene-stealing performances from Keyla Monterroso Mejia as a sardonic loan agent and Katt Williams as a former payday loan victim. A community pop-up event in the final act brings the residents of The Jungles together, offering a poignant reminder of the shared struggles that bind them.
One of Them Days is the kind of mid-budget, big-laughs comedy that feels like a rare gem in today’s cinematic landscape. With its charismatic leads, timely themes, and boundary-pushing humor, it’s a film that deserves to be seen with a crowd, ready to laugh and cheer through every twist and turn. Rent day might be inevitable, but this comedic ride is anything but predictable.
“One of Them Days” delivers laughs and social commentary in a chaotic race against rent, providing a poignant commentary on the struggles of modern life under capitalism. Directed by Lawrence Lamont and written by Syreeta Singleton, this riotous new comedy stars Keke Palmer as Dreux, a pragmatic and exhausted waitress, and SZA as alyssa, the girlfriend whose boyfriend’s unreliability sets off a wild, high-stakes adventure to save their home[1][3].
The film’s universe, where the first of the month brings dread to the residents of The Jungles—a bustling Los Angeles neighborhood—perfectly encapsulates the stress and urgency faced by those living paycheck to paycheck[1][3]. Uche, the surly and unrelenting landlord, remains a steadfast symbol of this tension, whose policy of “Pay up or pack up” is both menacing and poignant.
The screenplay skillfully weaves together humor, heart, and sharp social commentary. Alyssa and Dreux embark on a series of outrageous schemes to raise $1,500, each plot twist adding layers of absurdity and emotional depth to their plight. From attempting to steal the money back from Alyssa’s unreliable boyfriend, Keshawn, to confronting predatory lenders, their journey is both hilarious and heart-wrenching[3].
Beyond it’s comedic aspects, “One of Them Days” serves as a nuanced critique of modern financial challenges. The film highlights the risks of unreliable partners,the predatory nature of payday lenders,and the unstable financial landscape many people face. It humanizes these struggles by centering them around the deep bond between best friends and roommates, Dreux and Alyssa[2].
This film marks SZA’s big-screen debut and reunites her with Keke Palmer,who previously showcased their comedic spark on “Saturday Night live” in 2022[2].The creative team responsible for this project, including Issa Rae, Sara Diya Rastogi, Deniese Davis, James Lopez, and Poppy hanks as producers, ensures that the film maintains both a sharp comedic edge and an empathetic narrative voice[1].
“One of Them Days” is a quintessential tale of survival under capitalism, layered with absurdity and heart. Its riotous comedy and sharp social commentary make it a standout film, especially relevant in today’s financial landscape. As Alyssa and Dreux navigate their chaotic adventure, they remind us of the resilience and humor that can emerge even in the most precarious of times. This film is a must-watch for those seeking both laughs and a thought-provoking commentary on the human experience.
“One of Them Days is a triumphant blend of humor and heart, offering a refreshingly authentic portrayal of the struggles and camaraderie of modern working-class life. Directed by Lawrence lamont and penned by Syreeta Singleton,this mid-budget comedy has found its niche in delivering laughs and timely social commentary.
keke Palmer shines as Dreux, a relatable and endearing protagonist navigating the tightrope between financial stability and artistic dreams. Her chemistry with SZA, who makes an impressive debut as the free-spirited Alyssa, brings nostalgia to the screen with thier dynamic and supportive female friendship.The supporting cast, including memorable performances from Keyla Monterroso Mejia and Katt Williams, adds to the film’s comedic richness.
Beyond its humor, One of Them Days serves as a poignant commentary on the socioeconomic challenges faced by working-class communities. The film’s exploration of predatory lending practices, gentrification, and personal financial struggles provides a biting critique of modern capitalism.Maude Apatow’s cameo as Bethany, the new tenant whose unit starkly contrasts with the long-time residents’ homes, highlights the disparities within the community, echoing themes seen in shows like The Vince Staples Show and films like They Cloned Tyrone.
While some moments may feel rushed, such as the pivotal argument between Dreux and Alyssa, One of Them Days more than compensates with its hilarious antics and heartfelt exploration of solidarity. The community pop-up event in the final act beautifully encapsulates this spirit of togetherness, reminding us of the shared struggles that unite residents under different circumstances.
This gem of a comedy stands out in today’s cinematic landscape with its charismatic leads, timely themes, and boundary-pushing humor. One of them Days is a must-see film ready to be shared with a crowd, promising unpredictable twists and turns that ensure every moment is filled with laughter and empathy. Whether you’re facing the certain stress of rent day or simply seeking a good time at the movies, One of Them Days delivers on both fronts, offering a rare gem that leaves a lasting impression” – a true testament to its potential to captivate and inspire audiences in 2025.