Reel Review: Keke Palmer and SZA Serve Up a Hilarious Tribute to Classic Bestie Comedy in One of Them Days
There’s nothing like the classics Friday, Barbershop, and if you somehow have no clue what I’m talking about or managed to skip over these movies that are part of what I call the Black rite of passage, well, you better get to learning. One of Them Days brings back comedy we just don’t see much of nowadays. It’s not flashy or working too hard to sell its audience an idea. Keke Palmer and SZA come together to create a hilarious comfort film that, at times, is out of pocket but still leaves you satisfied and entertained.
It’s one day full of complete chaos, but the journey feels well spent. Our main characters, Druex and Alyssa, are best friends stuck in a rut. Druex is searching for a way to better her life by gaining a promotion, while Alyssa is drowning herself in works of art she doesn’t yet believe in and no good man offering nothing but... penetrative pleasure. It’s the first of the month, the only day worse than Monday (the start of the week), which means rent is due. Kysean, Alyssa’s sneaker-loving, no-job-having “boyfriend,” runs off with their rent money, leading the girls to go on this ridiculous search for $1500. But if I’ve learned anything from the classics I was talking about earlier, when two best friends get together, the absurd nature of their relationship pretty much pulls off the most unlikely of screen scenarios.
Keke Palmer is nothing if not an excellent entertainer. She jumps into the role of Druex, diving headfirst into her charm and effortlessly magnetic spirit, yet still managing to create a well-rounded, thought-out character. She could’ve easily been a know-it-all perfectionist who cracks a few jokes, but instead, she comes out as the dedicated friend and courageous woman, immediately making her a likable character. From the beginning, it’s clear that SZA’s Alyssa is the reckless, unpredictable friend. And while you could ask, "Why are they friends?" they clear this up immediately. They both give each other what they need. Druex pushes Alyssa to be more responsible and respect not only herself but her art, while Alyssa is Druex’s biggest cheerleader, never allowing her to forget the power she already holds, which the world is telling her she hasn’t yet achieved. SZA does well in her cinematic debut, and it’s her chemistry with Palmer that sets the stage for an amazing film.
As the girls bounce around throughout their journey, it’s their constant interaction that keeps the storyline fresh and exciting. Patrick Cage plays Druex's love interest, and though he left me curious most of the time, he gives us enough to keep wanting more. Comedians Janelle James and Lil Rel Howery also show up as part of the girls’ journey, and while the endless cameos could have been a turn off, it’s tastefully done, never allowing the story to slip through the cracks. But let’s face it, it’s Keyla Monterroso Mejia and Katt Williams who give the best supporting performances. We meet them at the same location, but they both provide their individual shenanigans. Williams plays Lucky, who ends up being the girls' guardian angel, warning them about loans. Of course, they don’t listen, so we meet Mejia as Kayla, the insensitive loan officer, laughing at these two for their unbelievably low credit scores, possibly giving some of the best laughs of the film. This is a stacked cast, and it does well to give each character their own moment without overshadowing our leading ladies.
Lawrence Lamont crafted a colorful watch, with each location feeling part of the story while being visually appealing in a natural way. Somehow, even their mess is aesthetically pleasing. This could only be done with the writing of Syreeta Singleton, who is proof that it’s important to have someone who understands the culture to share it. Often, with films like this, there’s concern about contributing to the stereotypes of Black leads, but in between the half-done hairdos and over-the-top characters like Big Booty Berniece, she comments on the Black experience. In her excitement and nervousness about the interview, Druex brings up what she believes to be her shortcomings. Alyssa reminds her that she’s shown she is more than capable, but employers made her to believe she is not. Druex, not so sly, also brings forth the corporate truth: “we” don’t get many opportunities to be in spaces or roles like that, so we can’t afford big mistakes. Even in work full of lighthearted, over-the-top stunts, reality pulls through and gets done in a way that reflects our lives. Let’s not get it twisted—this is a comedy, and not everything about Black culture is as heavy. She also highlights the small joys, like the value of retro Air Jordans and the communities we build within our struggles. There’s an obvious appreciation and honesty for what Black culture has to offer.
One of Them Days, produced by Issa Rae, delivers on the promise I feel is made whenever Rae is involved—innovative storytelling and feel-good comedy. This film doesn’t offer a new concept, but instead brings us a strong story that returns to the basics. A true comedy that, even during its tackiest moments, has you laid back and giggling. Palmer and SZA, rowdy, unapologetic, and down for it all, make their friendship the kind of comedy that reminds us why the genre still matters.
