“One of Them Days,” a comedy starring Keke Palmer and SZA, came into theaters on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. The movie follows Dreux (Keke Palmer), a waitress looking to move up in the world, and Alyssa (SZA), an artist stuck in a bad relationship. The two are best friends from childhood who live together in a crappy apartment complex.
When the pair learn that Alyssa’s boyfriend has taken their rent money and fled, they must race against the clock to make up the money by the end of the day in order to avoid eviction.
A common theme throughout the film is companionship. Even though Dreux and Alyssa are going through so much in their separate lives, one thing that remains constant is their loyalty and support for each other. A key theme in the movie is community and acceptance — the duo’s love for each other keeps them grounded.
Keke Palmer’s role in the movie makes the story all the more believable, with her quick minded wit and humorously chaotic life feeling extremely plausible and convincing. In many ways, the two protagonists are polar opposites, one being energetic and go-getting, and the other being laid-back and fairly unbothered. Their life goals are also very different, with Dreux wanting to work in a corporate position with a lot of energy and movement and Alyssa wanting to be a painter, working on a less rigid schedule. Their personalities are not aligned in any way, but their differences create an unstoppable pair.
While Alyssa, played by SZA, does not have the same fiery mentality as Dreux, her character evolves throughout the movie, affecting her outlook on life. “One of Them Days” was SZA’s debut as an actress, and her acting in the film was impressive given her lack of experience. While some celebrities who transition from singing to acting do not fit well into the new role, SZA’s talent shines just as brightly through film. She gave a quality performance with a ring of authenticity, which made the movie more enjoyable to watch.
SZA and Keke Palmer are not the only talented members of the film’s cast. With appearances from stars like Janelle James and Maude Apatow, the cast rounds out the movie, with odd and unique characters who take the movie to a higher level of comedy.
“One of Them Days” is a great watch. It has talented actors, a unique feel, and it serves as a reminder that when times are tough, one can always lean on others for support.