Director Lawrence Lamont unites Keke Palmer and singer SZA for his directorial debut, "One of Them Days," produced by Tristar Pictures. After the unjust cancellation of "Rap Shit," for which she served as showrunner, writer Syreeta Singleton is making her feature debut with this film as well.
It's the first of the month, and rent is due. Dreux (Keke Palmer) is relaxed after her night shift as a waitress, having already paid part of the rent to her free-spirited best friend and roommate, Alyssa (SZA). She also has a crucial interview for a management position later in the day, which could change her financial situation.
However, their landlord, Uche (Rizi Timane), arrives looking for the unpaid rent. Dreux and Alyssa soon learn that Alyssa's boyfriend, Keshawn (Joshua David Neal), spent their rent on fake Gucci shirts. Their landlord gives them until 6 P.M. to come up with $1,500 or face eviction.
This crisis sends them on a chaotic adventure through South L.A. to recover the stolen money, testing their friendship and jeopardizing Dreux's promotion. With time running out, it will take Dreux's meticulousness and Alyssa's creativity to devise a plan that saves them and helps them move forward.
Many people who grew up in the nineties and have seen the trailer may conclude that "One of Them Days" is the 2025 version of the 1995 classic, featuring a gender swap. In retrospect, this is indeed the case, with Keke Palmer taking on the role of Craig and SZA portraying Smokey. The film also includes a bully, a significant other for one of the women who is not very committed, and a kind-hearted love interest for the other woman.
That said, writer Syreeta Singleton has two real stars in her leads. Not only do the ladies have organic chemistry, but the situations they find themselves in are natural ones that almost anyone can relate to, from that magical time in your mid-twenties to early thirties. Palmer brings her natural charm as our lead, while Sza is a scene stealer.
Director Lawrence Lamont also keeps the run time short and keeps the audience engaged with the constant jokes in the film. While the film belongs to Palmer and Sza, the supporting cast delivers some great work from the lovely Gabrielle Dennis, Katt Williams, and Dewayne Perkins and cameos from Tony Woods, Lil Rel Howery, and Janelle James.
Overall, I enjoyed the film. However, I felt that Maude Apatow's character, Bethany, a white character who moves into the apartment complex, was somewhat underdeveloped. The script seemed to aim for gentrification themes, but how her story arc is presented may lead some viewers to perceive her as embodying the white savior trope.
Nevertheless, one of the best ways to kick off the New Year is a fresh comedy to experience in the comfort of a theater, and "One of Them Days" is a delightful start to 2025.
Final Grade: B+
"One of Them Days" in theaters today
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