We’ve all had one of those days — when everything goes wrong. The rain starts pouring as you leave the house, the midterm you’ve been manifesting for weeks comes back with a grade you’d rather forget, and somehow, you’ve missed your train — all in 30 minutes. That chaotic energy is captured vividly in “One of Them Days.” This film blends raunchy humor, heartfelt drama, and sharp cultural critique, keeping audiences laughing while reflecting on systemic issues.
The buddy comedy film, produced by Issa Rae, introduces Dreux and Alyssa as complete opposites. Dreux, played by the ever-dynamic Keke Palmer, is a hardworking, ambitious young woman hustling toward a promotion while barely scraping by to pay rent. Alyssa, her free-spirited roommate, is brought to life by Grammy winner SZA in her film debut. A painter and dreamer, Alyssa spends more time on her art and her tumultuous relationship with her deadbeat boyfriend Keshawn, played by Joshua David Neal, than on practical matters.
The trouble begins when Keshawn blows their rent money on his ‘innovative’ “CUCCI” clothing line, leaving Dreux and Alyssa scrambling to find $1,500 to avoid eviction. Rizi Timane plays Uche, their hilariously oblivious landlord, who enforces strict rules for working-class tenants while bending over backward for wealthier newcomers like Bethany, played by Maude Apatow. With the clock ticking, Dreux and Alyssa embark on a wild 12-hour adventure to save their apartment.
At its core, “One of Them Days” is a love letter to resilience. Set in Los Angeles’ “Jungles” neighborhood, the film explores themes of gentrification, housing insecurity, and systemic exploitation. The “Jungles” isn’t just a setting — it’s a character of its own, progressively breaking down and building itself up again, symbolizing a community that thrives despite its struggles.
The film doesn’t shy away from hard-hitting issues, such as the predatory 1,900.5% APR payday loans Dreux and Alyssa almost fall victim to. Keyla Monterroso Mejia shines as a payday loan office worker, her comedic yet biting performance exposing the exploitative nature of these businesses.
Katt Williams, as the duo’s homeless guiding light named Lucky, delivers unforgettable one-liners, like, “If you don’t have the money today, you damn sure won’t have it a month from now.” These moments of humor are seamlessly woven into the broader cultural critique, giving the film depth without losing its comedic edge.
The friendship between Dreux and Alyssa anchors the story emotionally. Their contrasting personalities — Dreux’s pragmatism and Alyssa’s carefree creativity — make their bond both authentic and relatable. Despite absurd misadventures, including a drive-by food heist and a run-in with a local kingpin, their connection remains unbreakable, proving friendship can survive even the wildest chaos.
Visually, “One of Them Days” is a delight. The cinematography mirrors the frenetic energy of Dreux and Alyssa’s day with dynamic camera work while having the ability to execute cinematic close-ups for quieter moments that let the weight of the story sink in. Subtle visual clues throughout the story lead to a surprisingly peaceful conclusion, much like the storytelling style of the “Knives Out” franchise.
With a 96% Rotten Tomatoes approval rating, critics and audiences alike are raving about the film. The New York Times praised its clever humor and emotionally resonant performances, while the Los Angeles Times called it “a treat to be gobbled up like pancakes at midnight.”
If you’ve ever had ‘one of those days,’ this film is for you. “One of Them Days” reinvigorates the Black buddy comedy genre with its seamless blend of humor, heart, and cultural critique.
