Honestly, nobody saw it coming. When news first broke that Keke Palmer was teaming up with SZA for an R-rated buddy comedy, the internet basically had a collective "wait, what?" moment. SZA? The Grammy-winning queen of ethereal R&B and "sad girl" anthems, doing slapstick? It sounded like a fever dream or a very ambitious SNL sketch.
But here we are in 2026, and One of Them Days isn't just a movie we remember—it’s the film that effectively turned SZA into a legitimate movie star and proved, once again, that Keke Palmer is a national treasure who can carry literally anything on her back.
If you somehow missed the chaos when it dropped in early 2025, the premise is simple. It's a classic "one crazy night" (or day, in this case) odyssey. Think Friday meets Broad City with a heavy dose of South L.A. energy.
What Actually Happens in One of Them Days?
The plot is a relatable nightmare. Dreux (Keke Palmer) is the responsible one, a waitress grinding toward a management promotion. Her roommate Alyssa (SZA) is a free-spirited artist who is, frankly, a bit of a mess.
The inciting incident? Alyssa’s "good-for-nothing" boyfriend—played with hilarious sleaziness by Joshua David Neal—blows their entire rent money.
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They have 24 hours to get the cash or face eviction.
What follows is a desperate, frantic, and often ridiculous scramble across Los Angeles. We're talking shady loan sharks, neighborhood braid shops, and a standout performance by Katt Williams as "Lucky," a persistent mentor-slash-chaos-agent who tries to stop them from making terrible decisions (and usually makes things worse).
Why the SZA and Keke Palmer Chemistry Worked
You'd think a seasoned pro like Keke would overshadow a newcomer, but the dynamic is surprisingly balanced.
Keke is the engine. She’s fast-talking, high-energy, and does that thing where she makes a "type-A" character feel vulnerable instead of just annoying. But SZA? She’s the secret weapon. She plays Alyssa with this "head in the clouds" optimism that perfectly grinds against Dreux’s desperation.
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- The "SNL" Connection: Director Lawrence Lamont actually cited their 2022 Saturday Night Live episode as the spark. He saw them together and realized the "best friend" vibe was already there.
- Physical Comedy: SZA really went for it. There’s a scene involving a loan company called "We Gotcha" that involves some of the best physical comedy we've seen in years. She wasn't afraid to look messy.
The Cultural Impact of the Film
This wasn't just another January "dump month" movie. Produced by Issa Rae, the film felt like a love letter to South L.A. It captured the "Jungles" and Leimert Park with a level of authenticity you usually only get from people who actually grew up there. Writer Syreeta Singleton (who worked on Insecure and Rap Sh!t) nailed the dialogue. It’s sharp. It’s "Black girl magic" without being corny.
It was also a massive box office win. On a modest $14 million budget, it pulled in over $50 million. In an era where original comedies often die on streaming, One of Them Days actually brought people to theaters.
Real Talk: Was it Perfect?
Look, if we're being real, the script follows a pretty predictable buddy-comedy blueprint. You know they're going to get the money at the last second. You know they're going to have a big "friendship breakup" argument in the second act. Some critics, like those at The A.V. Club, pointed out that Alyssa’s character could have used a bit more backstory.
But does that matter when you’re laughing? Not really. The "vibes," as SZA’s character would say, were immaculate.
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What’s Next: Is there a Sequel?
The short answer: Yes.
As of early 2026, TriStar Pictures has officially greenlit a sequel. Variety confirmed that both Keke and SZA are expected to return. Whether they'll be chasing rent money again or facing a whole new set of "one of them days" problems is still under wraps, but the creative team—Issa Rae, Lawrence Lamont, and Syreeta Singleton—is staying intact.
Actionable Tips for Fans
If you're looking to dive deeper into the world of this movie or just want to catch up, here is what you should do:
- Watch it on Netflix: It recently hit the streaming giant and spent weeks in the Top 10. It’s the easiest way to see what the hype is about.
- Listen to the Soundtrack: SZA didn't just act; the music in the film is top-tier. It features a blend of R&B and West Coast rap that perfectly sets the mood.
- Follow Keke’s "KeyTV": Keke Palmer often shares behind-the-scenes stories and "real talk" about her projects on her own network. It’s a goldmine for fans of her work ethic.
The movie proved that there's still a huge market for mid-budget, original comedies. We don't always need superheroes or $200 million explosions. Sometimes, we just need two relatable women trying to survive a really, really bad Tuesday.
Keep an eye out for production updates on the sequel later this year. Given the first film’s success, expect the budget—and the stakes—to be a lot higher next time around.