One of Them Days
Directed by Lawerence Lamont
★★★½
Directed by Lawrence Lamont and written by Syreeta Singleton, One of Them Days is a tightly paced, effortlessly funny buddy comedy that takes a familiar premise—a race against time to come up with rent money—and elevates it with sharp writing, electric performances, and genuine heart.
The film centers on best friends and roommates Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), who find themselves in a serious bind after Alyssa’s unreliable boyfriend spends their rent money on a sketchy scheme. With just hours to avoid eviction, the two set off across Los Angeles on a wild journey filled with questionable side hustles, bizarre encounters, and increasingly desperate plans. What begins as a scramble for survival quickly becomes a test of friendship, loyalty, and self-worth.
Palmer is in top comedic form here. As Dreux, she brings both grounded frustration and razor-sharp timing, expertly balancing exasperation and warmth. SZA, in her first film role, proves to be a natural on screen. She plays Alyssa as a free spirit with messy charm, matching Palmer beat for beat while bringing her own laid-back rhythm to the performance. Together, they have an infectious chemistry that makes the film’s emotional moments land just as well as its jokes.
Lamont’s direction is stylish yet unpretentious. He keeps the story moving briskly, capturing the vibrancy of the neighborhood without glossing over its challenges. Singleton’s script is smart and self-aware, laced with culturally specific humor and an eye for the absurdities of trying to stay afloat in a world that constantly demands more than you can give. The dialogue feels lived-in, the jokes land without feeling forced, and the story always stays rooted in its characters' emotional reality.
What makes One of Them Days stand out is how confidently it blends comedy with authenticity. There are moments of pure ridiculousness—a failed get-rich-quick plan involving a pop-up art show, a tense-yet-hilarious visit to a pawn shop—but the film never loses sight of the friendship at its core. Dreux and Alyssa's relationship is portrayed with real tenderness, with arguments, forgiveness, and deep care that reflect the complexity of long-term platonic love.
The film doesn’t overstay its welcome, wrapping up in under two hours with a satisfying sense of closure and growth. By the end, the pair may still be figuring life out, but they’ve done it on their terms—and together.
One of Them Days is more than just a funny movie about two friends in a jam. It’s a celebration of resilience, hustle, and the kind of friendships that keep you grounded when everything else goes off the rails. With standout performances and a confident creative team behind the camera, it’s one of the most charming and rewatchable comedies of the year.
