LOS ANGELES, California — As One of Them Days premieres on Netflix, two best friends, Keke Palmer and SZA, navigate the comedic chaos of Los Angeles while trying to meet their rent deadline.
The film, which became a box office hit grossing $51 million in January, follows Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA) as they scramble for the $1,500 needed to avoid eviction from their rundown apartment. Doubling as SZA’s debut acting role, the movie is buoyed by a smart script from creator Syreeta Singleton.
Their crumbling stucco building, marked by peeling paint and broken air conditioning, reflects the struggles many face in the city where a paycheck seldom meets the cost of living. As Dreux returns home from her shift at a local diner, she immediately confronts the mess left by Alyssa’s boyfriend, Keshawn (Joshua David Neal), who has squandered their rent money.
Alyssa, with a peppy outlook, tries to lighten the mood, joking, “You keep saying you need to exercise more; every time you stumble, you get more steps!” But as the day warms, the reality of bills becomes even harsher. The rent is due, and their landlord Uche (Rizi Timane) isn’t the type to tolerate excuses.
The duo’s attempts to reclaim their cash from Keshawn lead to a series of misadventures — from a tumultuous chase to his girlfriend Berniece’s (Aziza Scott) place to a cold reception at a cash-advance shop where a disgruntled homeless man (Katt Williams) warns them against scams.
“Heed is not being taken!” he laments on the street, but their struggling credit score puts them back to square one. Faced with a series of poor choices, including attempts to sell blood and vintage sneakers from a power line, their mission quickly derails.
As the sweltering hours pass, the stakes rise, especially with Dreux’s crucial job interview for a management position looming. The film intertwines the duo’s misfortunes with odd yet colorful neighborhood characters, from the charming Maniac (Patrick Cage) to intimidating gang members.
Though not every joke lands, the performances shine, particularly Palmer’s ability to oscillate between humor and sincerity effortlessly. Their friendship evolves amid chaos, and the film emphasizes that enduring these tough days is often made easier with camaraderie.
“Sometimes you gotta walk through the drive-thru to use your coupon for free pie” symbolizes their journey — a mix of quirky moments and reality’s weight. Singleton, director Lawrence Lamont, and the supporting cast encapsulate the daily struggles of many young people traversing big city life.
In balancing humor with heartfelt storytelling, One of Them Days stands as a celebration of friendship, highlighting that even while facing financial distress, support from those around you is invaluable. Streaming now, it delivers laughter wrapped in relatable truths — a testament to the daily grind and resilience of many.
