One of Them Days is a hilarious roller-coaster-of-a-movie that effortlessly blends laughter and emotion, leaving you hooked from start to finish. It is about Dreux, played by actress and singer Keke Palmer, and Alyssa, played by singer and actress SZA— two friends who get caught up in a silly battle to collect funds to cover their rent. After Alyssa’s boyfriend, Keshawn Joshua Nael wastes it on a failed t-shirt business. I must confess that Keshawn’s lack of responsibility annoyed me, but watching Dreux and Alyssa’s attempts to fix their problems is complete chaos… yet charming at the same time. Every plan they hatch only leads to more absurd situations, and their determination to remain together makes them both laughable and endearing. Their misadventures are what make the film so exciting, leaving you guessing how they’ll survive the next twist of fate.
The stunts they perform are insane. Druex’s fiasco at a blood bank with a bumbling nurse and Alyssa’s ”how-do-they-do-it laugh-out-loud” moments underscore their goofy efforts at problem-solving, only to have things escalate even more. Seeing them inventive and relentless is amusing, especially when you can see that they are undoubtedly destroying everything in their path and have no intention of stopping. The moment of the utility pole was one to cherish because it transformed an ordinary object into something profound. It made everyone realize the importance of not underestimating the simple, overlooked things in life. Its power to become part of nature made people sit and think and talk, thereby becoming an unplanned surprise of the day. My favorite part was how Dreuxx and Alyssa’s friendship remained strong amidst the craziness.
Amidst the absurd circumstances they got themselves into, their friendship remained strong, built on trust and respect, rather than romantic tropes. Their friendship wasn’t just weathering the craziness, but having each other’s backs at all times— whether they were laughing about mistakes or figuring things out together. Their commitment to one another, even with all that could go wrong, gave their relationship a sense of realism and authenticity. Another stunning aspect was their resourcefulness and creativity. No matter how crazy things got, Dreuz and Alyssa were always able to make do, using humor and unlimited imagination to help them navigate the chaos of life.
This sense of endless possibility, where they faced challenges and made everything into something beautiful, and their friendship was life-affirming and empowering. It’s this feel-good energy that not only makes the film a joy to watch, but a much-needed reminder about the strength of a genuine relationship.
The film’s celebration of female empowerment resonated with me. It’s great to see Black women portrayed as intense, resourceful and human. Palmer’s pragmatism paired with Alyssa’s bouncy optimism made this a duo I was rooting for. Their bond was so natural that it was like watching two true best friends try to deal with the craziness of life, each moment realistic and rich in spirit. One of Them Days is more than a comedy; it’s a love letter to love, courage and the poetics of genuine friendship.
