Netflix’s “One Of Them Days” Delivers Entertaining Comedic Moments

How bad can a day really be to qualify being tagged the “breaking point”? Keke Palmer (Dreux) and SZA (Alyssa) answered this question riding on a simple yet entertaining premise in One Of Them Days.  

In 24 hours, how do the duo scrape together enough money for rent, avoid a vengeful neighborhood tyrant and escape by the wrath of an infamous killer? Amid all these deadlines that leave them desperate, they must keep their friendship intact.

Playing best friends, Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), are each others’ ride or die including sharing an apartment as roommates. Dreux works as a diner with aspirations of becoming a franchise manager. Alyssa, on the other hand, is a skeptical talented artist, who paints. She is nonchalant about the corporate path of her art.

Their relationship hits a crossroad because of Alyssa’s boyfriend, Keshawn (Joshua David Neal).  Alyssa gives their rent to Keshawn who blows it up and the rent is due, Dreux discovers that this and the worst part, he has squandered every dime on his pipe dream fashion line business.

Dreux and Alyssa are forced to find the next possible means to raise the rent money to avoid eviction within a nine hour deadline given by their unsympathetic landlord Uche (Rizi Timane). From donating blood for money in a messy situation, to selling sneakers, their journey to  raise the rent becomes a bumpy race against time filled with comical misadventures to the end.

One of Them Days, directed by Lawrence Lamont follows this simple premise judiciously, making every moment comedic. With a solid track record in music video directing,

Set against the Black community in south Los Angeles, One of Them Days, explores the diversity of 2010s, complex late 20s female friendships along with its ridiculous escapades and conflicts. The buddy comedy produced by Issa Rae and written by Syreeta Singleton, makes Dreux and Alyssa’s adventures thrilling for both characters and viewers.

Keke Palmer and SZA chemistry delivers a palpable rapport that is believable and admirably funny in female friendships. Palmer’s performance as expected shines with confident charisma and goofy dialogues. For her acting debut, SZA doesn’t show that it is her first foray, thanks to her natural flair for portraying Alyssa.

Some noticeable flaws are in Palmer’s dialogues. Some punchlines work most times to crack up viewers but sometimes, they beg for a laugh because of its obviousness. Playing Uche, Timane’s portrayal of a Nigerian Igbo landlord felt stereotypical and rigid. His delivery also seemed forced. There are also forgivable slow moments here and there.

One Of Them Days in its falling action has one of the most memorable shots in the film. After a blame game confrontation between Dreux and Alyssa, they walk to the house on different paths. How the shot captured them walking alone yet still looking out for each other is deep. They have both vented out their anger yet feel sorry for each other.

The set design for the film is colorful. From Palmer’s lemon two piece to SZA’s purple combo, to furniture and lighting, everything works just right to make the film aesthetically appealing. The film score is active and groovy, a perfect choice for the chaotic and hyper energy that the film’s characters depict.

For the most part, One Of Them Days offers a good laugh even after credits roll as a situational comedy. It is a feel-good type of film to watch after a long day.

The premise may appear as cliché but Lamont’s direction of the high stake financial predicament delivered comedic moments, elevating the overall storytelling.  With its anticipated sequel underway, what worse could happen to Dreux and Alyssa?

Streaming Date: March 31, 2025

Runtime: 1hour, 37 minutes

Streaming Platform: Netflix

Director: Lawrence Lamont

Cast: Keke Palmer, SZA, Lil Rel Howery, Patrick Cage, Katy Williams, Gabrielle Dennis, Joseph David Neal, Dustin Ybarra, Amin Joseph, Vanessa Calloway, Maude Apatow, Aziza Scott, and Rizi Timane.