Synopsis: Best friends and roommates Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA) are about to have One of Them Days. When they discover Alyssa’s boyfriend has blown their rent money, the duo finds themselves going to extremes in a comical race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.
A great friendship is hard to find. If you possess one, you must nurture and support it, and for it to thrive, you must be as honest as possible, especially when roommates. The best ones can make it through even the toughest trials. Whether wearing and ruining their clothes, hooking up with their sibling, constantly bailing at the last minute, or mishandling the rent, if they are truly you’re ride or die, you’ll find a way to solve the issues. If not, you can always throw hands. Just kidding, you can work it out.
“No more late rent, Dreux.”
Comedy is alive and well, it never died. The notion that you can’t make jokes or funny movies anymore is not only untrue, it’s lazy. It’s become aggressively clear over the years that those who feel as if comedy has been muzzled are only upset they can no longer rely on being racially offensive, culturally insensitive, or as they like to call it, “edgy”. Not to say those things can’t be done, but there’s a tactful approach that allows those being made fun of in on the joke. While truly comedic films have lacked as of late, there are still people and films that set out to achieve authentic laughs. And guess what? One of Them Days is one of those films. Directed by Lawrence Lamont, One of Them Days is genuinely hilarious from beginning to end. It elicits the most laughs you’ve experienced in years and should be championed as a new classic for the culture. By utilizing observations and specificity, writer Syreeta Singleton cultivated a screenplay that is unapologetically black and universally relatable. From living with your best friend, bad relationships, and trying to become a better version of yourself, to doing whatever it takes to avoid eviction, all humans can understand these situations. Capturing all of the elements that make a timeless comedy, it feels reminiscent of films such as Friday, I Got the Hook-up, Sisters, and Never Goin’ Back, this Black woman-led laugh riot is easy to watch, highly quotable, and full of surprises. Not to mention, I can’t wait to see how many people try the special martini that’s created.
Now, if you’re not intimately familiar with Black culture you may not appreciate the nuance of the jokes and bits. You may have never heard of or interacted with the Candy Lady. The importance of dipping the ends of braids may not make sense. Some of the slang may also go over your head. Nevertheless, when stripped down, the journey is familiar and complete with other comedic sensibilities and disasters at every turn.
“Wow! Now we’re going to die!
Featuring a diverse and rich array of characters, stunning performances by Keke Palmer and SZA, plenty of hijinks, and just enough heart, One of Them Days is too good for January. Buzzing with a soundtrack that slaps, a city of Los Angeles that is almost a character of its own, and appearances from popular comedic personalities, the film intends to provide a fun experience and succeeds in doing just that. With no wasted scenes or unnecessary exposition, great direction, and a countdown to disaster, this merry melanated mission was made with care. The story efficiently weaves themes of friendship, community, predatory practices, and self-worth together with its boatload of laughs. With its vibrant and descriptive wardrobe, great cinematography, perfect comedic timing, and pleasant editing, you don’t want to miss this good time. You may not know what to expect, but you won’t be disappointed. Its rewatchability is high.
Pace & Pop
For most of the runtime, the film flows effortlessly with an effervescent glow and an assured demeanor. It unfolds like your new favorite song with the vocals perfectly riding the beat and hitting all the right notes, it’s undoubtedly a bop. Unfortunately, it eventually hits a wall when an abrupt tonal shift happens like Kendrick Lamar changing beats mid-song. What follows isn’t necessarily bad, but you find yourself trying to reestablish your footing like trying to time the “Don’t” at the end of the Bryson Tiller song. What popped for me was the different layers of characters. While many of its characters are vastly different, their environment binds them in satisfying cohesion.
Characters & Chemistry
Starring: Keke Palmer, SZA, Maude Apatow, Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, and Katt Williams
It should come as no surprise that Keke Palmer radiates charisma and confidence while simultaneously making everyone around her better. Her comfort in front of the camera and natural comedic ability is unmatched. SZA proves that while she is known for her immaculate musical talent, the silver screen is just another feat she can accomplish. Playing perfectly off one another, the duo have outstanding chemistry, you’d think they grew up together. The rest of this star-studded cast assists in filling up the screen with good looks and bigger laughs. And it looks like Maude Apatow gets a day pass to the cookout.
One of Them Days releases in theaters on January 17, 2025. Stay safe and stay sane.
Rated: R Runtime: 1h 37m Director: Lawrence Lamont Writer: Syreeta Singleton Producers: Issa Rae, Deniese Davis, Sara Rastogi, James Lopez, Poppy Hanks Executive Producers: Keke Palmer, Sharon Palmer, Charles D. King, Jeff Valeri
One of Them Days is genuinely hilarious from beginning to end. It elicits the most laughs you've experienced in years and should be championed as a new classic for the culture.
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GVN Rating
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
