In the 1990’s, 90-minute comedy movies were everywhere you looked, and fits of laughter guaranteed with every movie theater outing. As the film industry seems to have been overtaken by serious movies, with the “drama” category overflowing with submissions every awards season, the art of comedy gets lost in the mix. However, One of Them Days, released Jan. 17, is evident that comedy is alive and well.
Produced by Issa Rae, this film is a masterclass in comedic effect. Dubbed “A modern-day Friday (1995)” by many, One of Them Days is reminiscent of the Black comedy culture of the past while bringing a fresh take to its execution through the topics it discusses and cinematic style.
The film follows Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), two best friends who are down on their luck, struggling to gather their rent money or face eviction that same day. The pair go on a series of adventures in attempts to garner their $1,500, only to have the universe throw every problem but the kitchen sink at them. In addition to their monetary struggle, they are also racing against the clock to get Dreux to the job interview of her dreams. Everywhere the duo goes, shenanigans ensue, including at a blood bank, loaning office and ambulance.
Dreux is played by the well-known KeKe Palmer, an actress and singer who has been in the spotlight for upwards of fifteen years. Palmer has demonstrated her versatility through her performances on Nickelodeon, Broadway and in block-buster movies such as Jordan Peele’s Nope. Her charming-yet-awkward portrayal of Dreux was stellar and unbelievably genuine, creating a well-rounded character with depth for miles. Palmer’s witty comebacks and one-liners roll off her tongue in such a natural way, making them seem improvised rather than pre-written, adding an effortlessness to the film.
Grammy-award winner SZA made her film debut in this movie, playing Alyssa. SZA’s stellar performance makes it hard to believe this is her first stint as a professional actress, as she was hilarious and convincing with every line. While SZA’s role was the more simplistic of the two leads, she shone nonetheless, a definitive highlight of the film.
The pair play long-time best friends, who are often at their wits end with each other, but always are able to push past their struggles. Watching Palmer and SZA interact, it would be easy to believe they’d been friends for years, as their dynamic is smooth and relatable. Through their fights and reconciliations, their friendship rings true. As with every pair of best friends, everything boils down to one fact: they will always be there for each other. Their characters are realistic and less fictionalized than typically seen, offering support for each other as they fight to get through the day.
One of Them Days breaks away from the Hollywood films we’re so used to these days, shying away from the same twenty faces that appear in nearly every film. While the leads shine in the spotlight, the majority of the supporting roles aren’t A-listers, bringing a rare authenticity to the story. The way each character is presented makes the film seem that much more real, as if that day is actually playing out in Los Angeles. Katt Williams’ role as Lucky stood out amongst the rest of the cast, drawing the attention in every scene and generating laughter with every reaction.
There are so many purely refreshing aspects to the film, a breath of fresh air after watching theatrical releases of remakes and sequels roll out for years. One of Them Days is an instant crowd-pleaser, sure to be cemented as a cult classic in the coming years. This movie is genuine and doesn’t insist upon itself to the point that it loses all comedic aspects. Although the plot itself is wild and slightly raunchy, the message is a heartwarming one, highlighting the importance of friendship and perseverance.
