Directed by Lawrence Lamont, One of Them Days captures the vibrant energy of the 90s through the lens of two best friends’ comedic struggles. “One of Them Days” is a movie about two best friends, Alyssa, played by SZA and Dreux, played by Keke Palmer. It has the theme of the importance of friendship and the strength to move forward in the face of challenges, capturing the struggles of two roommates that lead to growth. Though I went into the film knowing nothing about its plot, having SZA and Palmer star was enough to interest me. The striking visuals immediately caught my attention; the modern aesthetic mixed with nostalgia from the 90s, whether in outfits or color grading. This lovely, stylish movie speaks directly to a younger audience.
In the plot, which sees the roommates struggle to pay the rent after Alyssa loses the money, many people recognize that the movie was similar to “Friday,” that 90’s classic with Ice Cube. It’s not new in construction, but the film’s energy keeps it from being too familiar. The audience at the theater I saw it in filled the room with laughter and applause, so it was clear the movie’s humor and the relatability of the characters’ struggles shone through. There was a scene where Dreux and Alyssa went to a check-cashing place to get money for their rent. They had a comedic banter with a worker who had the whole theater laughing and Kat Willams, a famous comedian’s cameo.
SZA’s Acting Debut: Surprising and Effective
SZA’s character makes reckless decisions, which keeps them in constant trouble. Initially skeptical about SZA’s acting skills, she surprised me. Although her performance wasn’t perfect, it felt genuine, and she brought an authenticity to the role that’s hard to ignore. They had great chemistry and Dreux and Alyssa’s opposite energy balanced each other. For example, Alyssa had a shoe collection, and they gathered the idea to sell a pair of shoes. While Alyssa worked to advertise the shoes creatively, Dreux handled the customer as a business deal, leading to their gain of some rent money.
Soundtrack
Another element that stood out to me was the soundtrack, full of trendy and modern tracks. Some of the songs had the audience dancing, which made the experience more fun because I always appreciate a recognizable soundtrack in a movie.
Final Thoughts: Fun, Flawed, but Fun
While “One of Them Days” might follow some very familiar beats, it’s also full of laughs and heart, thanks to strong performances from both SZA and Keke Palmer. The style, humor, and chemistry between the leads carry the film well, even as it leans on some overused tropes. Fans of urban comedies that strike a balance between humor and heart will find this one a solid pick- and proof that SZA has potential in acting, too.