A Hilarious Ode to Resilience: A Review of One of Them Days
Date: January 15, 2025
Updated: January 15, 2025 at 2:26 p.m.
Exploring the city of angels through the lens of friendship and humor.
In recent cinematic history, few films have managed to weave together an engaging narrative with social commentary quite like One of Them Days. Directed by Lawrence Lamont, this buddy comedy showcases the vast talent of Keke Palmer alongside the effervescent SZA, as they navigate the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles and the challenges that come with them. Set against the backdrop of a city grappling with wildfires and housing crises, the film balances comedy with sobering themes relevant to many urban communities today.
A Shaky Start with Strong Substance
The narrative unfolds in L.A., where Dreux (Keke Palmer) is a hardworking waitress at Norm’s — an iconic diner. She yearns for a well-deserved promotion while navigating her night shifts. However, her dreams are quickly derailed when she discovers that her best friend and roommate, Alyssa (SZA), has put their home at risk by failing to secure their rent money. With eviction looming just hours away, the duo embarks on a comically perilous journey to raise the funds they desperately need.
Diners to diners: The heart of Los Angeles culture.
“It’s a film that resonates because it highlights specific locales and social issues,” one critic aptly noted, recognizing the film’s ability to reflect real-life struggles through humor and camaraderie. Given the recent natural disasters impacting the area, the film’s playful take on socio-economic issues resonates deeply, highlighting the significance of friendship and resilience in the face of adversity.
Pillars of Performance
Palmer’s portrayal of Dreux showcases her comedic timing and emotional depth. She embodies a character struggling for upward mobility, battling against landlords, predatory lenders, and relentless gentrification. Her compelling performance is essential in reminding audiences of the systemic challenges many young adults face today.
On her comedic counterpart, Alyssa, SZA shines bright in her film debut. Channeling her music background into a compelling on-screen presence, she delivers both charm and comedic flair, creating a beautiful yin-yang dynamic with Palmer. Their chemistry leaps off the screen, providing a delightful balance of humor amid the film’s more serious undertones.
The ensemble cast delivers memorable performances that resonate on multiple levels.
As the story unfolds, their escapades are supported by a talented cast, including Maude Apatow and Katt Williams in notable supporting roles. Their performances serve as comic relief and enrich the narrative without overwhelming the central storyline. However, while the humor is often punchy and specific to the experiences of these characters, the film falters when the comedy becomes over-the-top, reflecting its roots in Friday but sometimes losing the plot’s subtler nuances.
Themes Rooted in Reality
The film stands out for its genuine portrayal of friendship and community. Scenes laced with cultural references and the harsh realities of economic precarity create a textured narrative that feels both universal and uniquely L.A. As Alyssa chases her fleeting artistic dreams, and Dreux grapples with the harsh financial realities, their bond is both tested and solidified, making for an engaging watch that is as funny as it is poignant.
In the end, One of Them Days is not just about laughter; it calls for a deeper appreciation of how economic and social frameworks impact friends and families across communities. The film is a poignant love letter to Los Angeles, capturing its chaotic beauty amidst the daily grind of its struggling citizens.
Life in a big city is as vibrant as it is challenging.
Conclusion: A Must-See Comedy
Ultimately, One of Them Days proves to be a refreshing addition to the genre of buddy comedies. It brilliantly fuses humor with a narrative that resonates in contemporary discussions about social equity and friendship. While some comedic elements may seem excessive, the film’s heart shines through, making it a must-watch that engages its audience while offering both laughter and a sobering reflection of life in L.A. As we navigate these uncertain times, films like these remind us of the power of friendship and community, delivering both joy and solidarity to audiences everywhere.
You can catch One of Them Days in theaters this Friday, a delightful mix of wit and wisdom that is sure to tickle your funny bone while sparking thoughtful conversations.
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