AcousticMD Review: SZA and Keke Palmer click in socioeconomic comedy "One of Them Days" executive produced by Issa Rae

There is nothing more compelling than a storyline that resonates with the soul of everyday life and strife. The Lawrence Lamont comedy “One of Them Days” is a reality based comedy starring SZA, Keke Palmer, Joshua David Neal, Janelle James, Lil Rel Howery, Maude Apatow, Patrick Cage, Rizi Timane, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Amin Joseph, and Katt Williams. The story line follows roommates and best friends Alyssa (SZA) and Dreux (Keke Palmer) as they are faced with coming up with the rent money to avoid eviction after Alyssa’s irresponsible boyfriend blows the money.

Friendships can be complicated; add adversity and situations can turn into a full fledge adventure. The comedy follows the two friends as they must complete impossible feats set by a 6pm deadline to pay the rent in full or become homeless. Keke Palmer is that girl from around-the-way who’s energy is edgy, funny, and full of surprises as she drives the story to completion. SZA’s character, Alyssa is the callous friend who is insecure, but assure of her being as she heavily relies on her friend to come up with viable solutions on the problem her boyfriend created.

One of Them Days takes audiences into the heart of a single day that feels like a lifetime with an array of turns and twists. Directed by Lawrence Lamont, this deeply human story weaves together themes of struggle, resilience, and the universality of navigating hardship with a comedic undertone. Anchored by an unflinching narrative and raw performances, the film is an emotional, cinematic experience that doesn’t shy away from the less glamorous realities of existence.

The film follows roommates and best friends Alyssa (SZA) and Dreux (Keke Palmer) as they traverse a series of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Whether it’s financial woes, strained relationships, or societal pressure, the plot expertly mirrors the all-too-common moments of despair many people face daily. What separates One of Them Days from a traditional narrative is its commitment to authenticity—there’s no grand climax or miraculous resolution, the film is just a raw portrayal of life as it is.

Shot in a mix of tones and handheld sequences, the cinematography brings a sense of immediacy, plunging the audience into the protagonist’s world. The unpolished visual style reflects the chaos and disarray of the day, lending the film a documentary-like quality. Small, intimate details—like the lingering shots of a worn-out pair of shoes or the harsh flicker of fluorescent lights—build an atmosphere that feels intensely personal.

The cast delivers unyielding performances, with Dreux (Keke Palmer) standing out as the emotional anchor of the film, the supporting characters, each add to the societal framework of choices and the consequences within. The supporting cast of One of Them Days are absolutely hilarious. Joshua David Neal (Keshawn), Alyssa’s boyfriend to Katt Williams, the homeless savior, the laughs come plentiful, and on time.

Conclusion

One of Them Days is not an easy watch, but it’s a necessary one. It’s a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, challenging viewers to confront the discomfort of their privilege or shared hardship. By refusing to conform to Hollywood’s neat storytelling arcs, it delivers an authentic, gut-wrenching experience that deserves attention.

Rating: ★★★★★
One of Them Days is a stark reminder that life is about action! You and only you can determine the outcome by how one chooses to perform under adversity. Cinema is real-life wrapped under the disguise of reality. What is your reality? One of Them Days is life ~ Lamont Renzo Bracy