One of Them Days
When best friends and roommates Dreux and Alyssa discover Alyssa's boyfriend has blown their rent money, the duo finds themselves going to extremes in a race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.
One of Them Days, Lawrence Lamont
One of Them Days (2025) is a unique gem that blends the frantic, anxiety-inducing energy of a buddy comedy whilst exploring the complexity of female friendship. In an industry and time where buddy comedies are dominated by male leads, this film is a refreshing change, by placing two dynamic women at its centre. With a combination of humour, tension, and heartfelt moments, the movie captures the unpredictability of relationships and the beautiful chaos and the depth of female friendships.
At the heart of the film are powerhouse performances from Keke Palmer and SZA. Their chemistry shines through the film, creating a bond that feels intensely real – filled with love, irritation, and deep understanding.
Palmer’s performance highlights her quick wit and undeniable charisma, delivering a hilarious and emotionally-grounded performance. She portrays a character that is strong-willed and flawed, navigating a day that continues to get worse with an energy that is both chaotic and captivating. SZA’s debut lead role is a revelation. She brings effortless naturalism to the screen, radiating warmth and calmness. They definitely work as a pairing for buddy movies to come.
One of the film’s standout features is its aesthetic which we have the women involved behind the scenes to thank. Producer Issa Rae's iconic bright colourful palette adds a visual vibrancy that mirrors the story’s heightened emotions. Whether it is the pastel-infused daylight scenes, or the rich colours of the characters’ outfits, cinematographer Ava Berkofsky ensures that every frame bursts with energy. This is a film to experience, not just to watch.
“This is a film to experience, not just to watch. ”
The soundtrack is another key element that elevates the film from a standard comedy to something special. Carefully curated, the music flows seamlessly with the film’s tone, from pulse-pounding beats like Doechii that match moments of high-intensity chaos to soulful, reflective melodies like Jackson Sisters that underscore the calmer scenes. Music becomes an emotional anchor, guiding the audience through the film’s comedic peaks and heartfelt valleys.
While the humour keeps the film light and engaging, it also allows space for deeper themes to emerge. The film explores loyalty, pressures of adulthood, and also the cycle of toxic relationships, all within the framework of a single chaotic day. The protagonists are forced to confront their fears and insecurities and the shifting dynamics of their friendship, particularly due to SZA’s character’s dependency on her romantic partner and how it affects everyone else around her.
The pacing of the film is another strength. From the very beginning, the story throws its characters into a whirlwind of misadventures, and it never lets up. The film thrives on its sense of urgency, making the audience feel just as anxious and exhilarated as the protagonists. The frenetic pacing mirrors the experience of those overwhelming days when everything seems to go wrong, yet somehow, the film manages to keep its emotional beats intact amidst the chaos.
In many ways, One of Them Days feels like an instant classic. It offers everything you could want in a comedy – sharp writing, brilliant performances, a stunning visual style, and a killer soundtrack – while also delivering something deeper. It is a story about their connection at its most intense, about how relationships evolve under pressure, and about the resilience of two women who refuse to let the world bring them down.
Release Date: March 7th, 2025
Directed by Lawrence Lamont
Written by Syreeta Singleton Produced by Issa Rae, Deniese Davis, Sara Rastogi, James Lopez, Poppy Hanks
Starring Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Xosha Roquemore, Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, Harrison Ford
Cinematography by Kramer Morgenthau
Distributor: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Runtime: 118 minutes.