In R&B legend Monica’s first hit, “Don’t Take it Personal,” she sings about it being “just one of them days that a girl goes through.” While she may not have envisioned those days to be the one that transpired in the film One of Them Days, the movie’s writer, Syreeta Singleton, envisioned one helluva buddy comedy. Starring the multi-talented Keke Palmer and the R&B phenom SZA, One of Them Days is one of those buddy comedies you’ll watch on repeat.
One of Them Days follows the machinations of Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), two besties living together in South LA. While Dreux has her sights set on turning her waitress job into a franchise manager position, Alyssa puts her talents into her visual art when she’s not putting her time into her man, Keshawn (Joshua Neal). However, when Keshawn spends Alyssa and Dreux’s rent money, these two besties are forced to find the missing funds or face eviction.
Fans of Issa Rae’s content are blessed again by the multi-hyphenate creative’s work. TriStar Pictures and the actress, writer, and producer’s independent media company, Hooray Media, brought the film to the silver screen. Rae, known for bringing emerging artists to the forefront, joins forces with Singleton and director Lawrence Lamont, both Rap Sh!t alums.
Lamont’s directorial vision channels 1990s and 2000s Black comedies, like B.A.P.S., WhiteChicks, and the Friday franchise, to create a buddy comedy that’s fresh yet nostalgic. Singleton’s writing highlights relatable characters and hilarious dialogue that makes you feel like you know Palmer’s Dreux and SZA’s Alyssa. And with their star power and chemistry, Palmer and SZA turn one hellish day into comedic gold.
Of course that laughs are propelled by the rest of the cast, including Katt Williams (Atlanta), Janelle James (AbbottElementary), Lil Rel Howery (Reunion), Vanessa Bell Calloway (WickedCity), Keyla Monterroso Mejia (AbbottElementary), Gabrielle Dennis (The Big Door Prize), Dewayne Perkins (The Blackening), and Maude Apatow (Euphoria). Together, the ensemble highlights a variety of characters found in South LA. From the Black folks who’ve historically inhabited the space to the Latino community who populate the majority of the area now to the gentrifiers bringing boutique grocery stores into South LA, One of Them Days brings them all under one sun-kissed roof.
That authentic storytelling of South LA’s history, culture, and future is influenced by South LA natives Singleton and Rae. Along with Lamont’s directorial vision, the trio keeps South LA authentic to what it has been and is now. Like Rae’s previous content, One of Them Days takes Black storytelling and gives it the love, star power, and attention it deserves.
Pull up to the theater, grab some popcorn, and prepare to be entertained. Oh, and don’t forget your Hot Cheeto martini. You’ll find out why.
Rating: 10/10