A January comedy from a first-time director, a first-time screenwriter, and SZA that’s actually really good? Believe it! I’m not someone who laughs easily at movies, yet One of Them Days had me laughing constantly. It might just be the best buddy comedy since Booksmart (2019). The film nails everything—jokes, heart, urgency, twists—you name it. It never overstays its welcome, keeping the comedic set pieces fresh and knowing exactly when to move on to the next gag or slow things down.
The story follows Dreux (Keke Palmer), a no-nonsense waitress with a crucial job interview, and her roommate Alyssa (SZA), an aspiring artist who accidentally misplaces their rent money. With a 6:00 PM deadline to come up with the cash, their day spirals into escalating misadventures—cheating boyfriends, stolen sneakers, and a shady guy named Lucky. Desperate to make rent, they try everything from donating blood to getting entangled with gangsters, all while pushing their friendship to the limit.
What makes One of Them Days work so well is how fully realized its characters are and how believable their friendship feels. Dreux and Alyssa aren’t just vehicles for jokes—they feel like real people. Palmer and SZA bring them to life with undeniable charisma, and their chemistry makes their dynamic effortlessly natural. The film hits some familiar buddy comedy beats, but their bond is so strong that when tensions rise, you feel it—how often does that happen in comedies anymore?
The supporting cast is just as memorable, with standout moments from Janelle James as a hilariously blunt nurse and Katt Williams as “Lucky,” a streetwise hustler who steals scenes with his warnings about bad financial decisions. Cameos and side characters add to the fun without overstaying their welcome, perfectly complementing the duo’s chaotic journey.
Unlike many modern comedies that don’t know when to cut a scene, One of Them Days keeps things tight. The screenplay is sharp, ensuring the laughs never derail the film’s momentum. The ever-present countdown clock reinforces the urgency of their predicament. Impressively, the film doesn’t rely on just one ticking clock but three—Dreux’s job interview, the looming arrival of a gangster, and their impending eviction. Even while laughing, you’re always aware that time is running out.
Little details pay off beautifully, with early jokes cleverly resurfacing later in unexpected ways. The story feels cohesive, wrapping up in a way that’s both satisfying and genuinely earned.
Comedies rarely get their due in theaters these days, often relegated to streaming. One of Them Days is a perfect reminder of how exhilarating it is to experience laughter with a crowd. With a sharp script, charismatic leads, and a pitch-perfect balance of humor and heart, it proves the genre is alive and well—and still capable of delivering an absolute blast.