Unapologetically Unique: Why One of Them Days Stands Out

Directed by Lawrence Lamont 

 Written by Syreeta Singleton

Produced by Issa Rae, Deniese Davis, Sara Rastogi, James Lopez, and Poppy Hanks

Executive producers include Keke Palmer, Sharon Palmer, Charles D. King, and Jeff Valeri 

Cast: Keke Palmer, SZA, Maude Apatow, Lil Rel Howery, Janelle James, and Katt Williams

A Fresh Spin on Classic Comedies

The legacy of cult classics like Friday and Don’t Be a Menace While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood looms large in the comedy landscape, and One of Them Days attempts to take up the mantle with a fresh, modern twist. Directed by Lawrence Lamont and penned by Syreeta Singleton, the film delivers a blend of outrageous humor, heartfelt moments, and cultural authenticity that makes for an entertaining, if occasionally uneven, ride.

A Hilarious Dynamic Between Leading Ladies

Keke Palmer and SZA lead the charge as Dreux and Alyssa, two best friends and roommates whose world spirals into chaos after Alyssa’s boyfriend blows their rent money. With eviction looming, the duo embarks on a wild, comical mission to reclaim their funds, testing the limits of their friendship and ingenuity along the way.

From the outset, Palmer and SZA’s on-screen synergy is good. Palmer’s performance as Dreux is a standout, showcasing her sharp comedic timing and the emotional nuance that keeps the character grounded amid the absurdity. Which I am not surprised. As Alyssa, SZA makes a charming leading debut, capturing the character’s free-spirited essence while revealing unexpected depth. Together, they evoke a sisterly bond that’s both relatable and endearing, reminiscent of classic duos from films like How High.

A Supporting Cast That Steals the Show

The supporting cast brought a lot of comedic energy to the film. Katt Williams absolutely steals scenes as Lucky with his signature offbeat humor, hands down the funniest performance. Janelle James, Lil Rel Howery, and Maude Apatow also bring their own layers of hilarity, each shining in their respective roles. On the flip side, Alyssa’s boyfriend Keshawn, played by Joshua David Neal, was one of the most frustrating characters. His performance was so spot-on it made me want to slap him, he reminded me of that one family member who always has new clothes, food, and a place to crash but no job to speak of. And let’s not forget Big Booty Bernice, whose commanding presence equal parts Deebo and former WWE Superstar Rikishi, delivers some of the film’s most unforgettable moments.

Vivid Direction and a Trippy Visual Experience

Visually, Lamont’s direction creates a sense of urgency and vibrancy. The set design, particularly the dilapidated apartment where Dreux and Alyssa live, reinforces the stakes of their predicament. A standout sequence, a surreal, trippy “weed scene,” blends inventive cinematography with a soundtrack that pulls viewers into the characters’ altered reality. It felt like the audience could get a contact high, I know I did.

Some Stumbles Along the Way

However, the film isn’t without its flaws. The pacing stumbles in the third act, where the introduction of a cartoonish villain feels tonally inconsistent. While the humor lands for those familiar with the cultural nuances of South LA, some of the more exaggerated scenarios may alienate audiences less attuned to these experiences. However, there were a few moments where the jokes were too lengthy. Nonetheless, I’ve seen comedy with similar issues that get high praise.

Heartfelt Themes

What grounds One of Them Days, though, is its heart. Amid the chaos, the film takes time to explore themes of friendship, trust, and resilience. A poignant moment between Dreux and Alyssa reminds viewers that, at its core, this is a story about navigating life’s highs and lows with the people who matter most. This was surprising because I was not expecting to feel a little emotion during this film.

Final Thoughts

While One of Them Days isn’t flawless, it’s a film that thrives on its energy and cultural authenticity. Fans of Friday and similar comedies will find plenty to love here, from the laugh-out-loud antics to the moments of genuine connection. The film also has a decent soundtrack that I’m sure will get heavy streams. For me, it’s a solid 7/10, a potential cult classic in the making that captures the spirit of camaraderie and chaos. Catch One of Them Days in theaters this Friday, January 16th, and get ready to laugh, reflect, and nod your head to the beat.