Honestly, the "January doldrums" are a real thing in the movie world. Usually, it's where studios go to dump the projects they don't know what to do with. But every once in a while, something hits differently. That’s exactly what happened with One Of Them Days, the R-rated buddy comedy starring Keke Palmer and SZA.
It’s rare.
You don’t often see a mid-budget comedy actually make it to the big screen anymore, let alone one that feels this lived-in. Produced by Issa Rae, the film landed in theaters on January 17, 2025, and basically set social media on fire. If you’ve ever been one flat tire or one "unauthorized transaction" away from a total meltdown, this movie is going to feel like a personal attack. In the best way possible.
What is One Of Them Days actually about?
The premise is simple, which is why it works. We’ve got Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA). They’re best friends, they’re roommates in West LA, and they are struggling. Hard.
The chaos kicks off when they realize Alyssa’s boyfriend—who is, frankly, a total loser—has blown through their rent money. Now they have roughly six hours to come up with $1,500 or face eviction from their landlord, Uche.
It's a race against time.
They go to extremes. We're talking blood donations, sketchy schemes, and navigating the wild streets of Crenshaw. Director Lawrence Lamont and writer Syreeta Singleton (who you might know from Rap Sh!t) clearly wanted to capture that 90s Friday energy, but for the millennial "girlies." It’s a love letter to LA, wildfires and all.
The SZA acting debut: Does she actually have the chops?
People were nervous. I was nervous. We know SZA can write a heartbreak anthem like nobody’s business, but acting is a different beast.
She plays Alyssa, the "hippie-dippie" artist who trusts the universe a little too much. It would have been easy for her to get swallowed up by Keke Palmer’s massive "Big Boss" energy, but she holds her own. SZA’s performance is surprisingly grounded. She’s funny, she’s awkward, and she doesn't seem afraid to look a little ridiculous on camera.
Keke Palmer, on the other hand, is a seasoned pro. She plays Dreux as the Type-A, high-stress counter to Alyssa’s chill. Their chemistry didn't just appear out of nowhere, though. They first linked up when Keke hosted Saturday Night Live back in late 2022 and SZA was the musical guest. That "Big Boys" sketch was the blueprint for what we see in this film.
The Supporting Cast is Stacked
The movie doesn’t just lean on the leads. The ensemble is a who's who of comedy:
- Janelle James: If you love her in Abbott Elementary, you’ll love her here.
- Katt Williams: He plays a character named Lucky, a homeless man who keeps trying to give the girls advice they refuse to take.
- Lil Rel Howery: Always brings the laughs.
- Maude Apatow: An interesting addition that adds a different flavor to the mix.
- Vanessa Bell Calloway: She has a hilarious scene as a worker at a blood bank.
Why this movie actually matters for the industry
Let’s talk numbers because they're actually impressive. The film had a budget of about $14 million. It ended up grossing over $51 million. In a world where every comedy seems to go straight to Netflix or Hulu, One Of Them Days proved that people will actually leave their houses to laugh in a dark room with strangers.
It’s the first Black female-led theatrical comedy we’ve seen in a minute—really since Girls Trip back in 2017.
Critics loved it too. It sat at a 96% on Rotten Tomatoes for a while. That’s wild for an R-rated comedy. It’s not trying to be "preachy" or overly "prestige." It’s just funny. It tackles the reality of living paycheck-to-paycheck and the predatory nature of quick-cash schemes, but it keeps the jokes coming fast.
What's next for the duo?
If you loved the movie, there's good news. Because it was such a "sleeper hit," TriStar Pictures has already put a sequel into early development.
The original creative team, including Issa Rae, Lawrence Lamont, and Syreeta Singleton, are all expected to return. And yes, Keke and SZA are down for more. There’s something special about seeing two Black women lead a film that isn't about trauma or historical struggle, but just about the absolute absurdity of trying to survive a bad day in your 20s or 30s.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Watch it on Netflix: If you missed the theatrical run, the film hit Netflix in early 2025 and has been a top performer.
- Check out the soundtrack: Since SZA is involved, you know the music is on point. Chanda Dancy did the score, but the vibes throughout are immaculate.
- Rewatch the SNL "Big Boys" sketch: If you want to see where the "Dreux and Alyssa" energy started, that December 2022 episode is the place to look.
- Keep an eye out for sequel casting: With a sequel in the works, expect more cameos from big-name comedians in the next year.