One of Them Days Review: Nostalgic Fun

Keke Palmer and SZA team up in One of Them Days, a nostalgic comedy full of laughs, charm, and wild schemes to avoid eviction.

The story follows best friends and roommates Dreux (Keke Palmer, of Nope) and Alyssa (SZA), whose already challenging day spirals into chaos after they discover that Alyssa’s boyfriend Keshawn (Joshua David Neal) has squandered their rent money. Desperate to avoid eviction and maintain their friendship, the pair embarks on a comical, frantic race against time. While the film shines in its homage to its influences and showcases a standout performance from SZA, it struggles to carve its own identity in the genre.

The movie’s greatest strength lies in its ability to emulate the charm of classic buddy comedies, thanks to the natural chemistry between Keke Palmer and SZA. Palmer delivers a reliably dynamic performance as Dreux, bringing fiery determination and quick wit. However, the real surprise is SZA, who not only holds her own but often steals the show with a surprisingly comedic portrayal of Alyssa, adding a lot of fun humor to the film with ease.

From the opening scene, One of Them Days sets a lively, fast-paced tone as we meet Dreux, who works as a waitress in a Los Angeles diner. The setting is immediately relatable, particularly for Californians, capturing the warmth and energy of the state’s everyday hustle. The scene establishes Dreux’s sharp wit and hardworking nature, effortlessly drawing viewers into her world.

Her day takes a turn when Alyssa arrives to pick her up, and their chemistry is instantly apparent. The playful banter and easy rapport between the two friends set the foundation for the film’s strongest asset, their dynamic. As the duo scrambles to come up with rent money, their desperate schemes provide plenty of comedic material. One particularly memorable sequence involves Dreux attempting to sell her blood, only for the plan to go hilariously awry. 

That said, not every scene delivers the same comedic punch. For instance, some sequences where Dreux and Alyssa attempt to hustle money feel overly drawn out, with jokes that fail to land as effectively as the film’s sharper moments. Similarly, a recurring gag involving Alyssa’s boyfriend comes across as repetitive rather than funny, diluting the humor.

The third act, while still engaging, struggles to maintain the momentum of the earlier parts. The resolution, while serviceable, follows a predictable path that undercuts the inventive energy seen in earlier scenes. A more daring or unexpected ending could have provided a stronger conclusion to the story. But at the same time it is a good ending, so it really isn’t too big of a complaint.

Visually, the movie plays it safe, relying on familiar setups and warm, sunlit cinematography that complements its nostalgic vibe. The soundtrack also contributes to the throwback atmosphere, though it doesn’t leave a lasting impression.

Overall, One of Them Days is a solid entry in the buddy comedy genre. While it doesn’t break new ground or leave an indelible mark, it succeeds in delivering a fun, lighthearted experience anchored by strong performances, especially from SZA. For those yearning for a dose of nostalgia and a reminder of the joy found in chaotic friendships, this film offers a pleasant, if not entirely unforgettable, trip down memory lane.

One of Them Days will be released in US theatres on January 17, 2025. A UK release date has not been announced yet.