When news broke that Keke Palmer and SZA would star side by side in a buddy comedy produced by Issa Rae, the excitement was undeniable. Both women are powerhouse names in their own right: Palmer with her effortless comedic timing and SZA with her cultural influence and growing on-screen presence. Add Rae’s credibility as the mind behind Insecure, and One of Them Days seemed destined for success. Unfortunately, the final product does not live up to the hype.
A promising premise that unravels quickly
The story follows Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), best friends and roommates living in a tight spot. Dreux, the responsible one, is desperate for rest before a career-changing interview. Alyssa, more carefree, stirs chaos with her decisions. Their landlord threatens eviction unless they cough up $1,500 in rent by 6pm, setting the clock ticking.
From there, the duo chases one failed plan after another. They confront Alyssa’s unreliable boyfriend Keshawn (Joshua Neal), cross paths with a local menace Ruby (played with ferocity by Janelle James), and attempt quick cash schemes that backfire in increasingly slapstick ways. Even cameos from Katt Williams as an eccentric protestor can’t keep the humour afloat.
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Performances that can’t save the script
Keke Palmer’s charisma shines through, and she does her best to carry the weight of the story. SZA, though likeable, struggles to find her footing in her role. The dynamic between the two leads never fully clicks, which weakens the film’s buddy-comedy appeal.
The writing is the film’s greatest flaw. Jokes feel forced, timing is off, and the predictable script drains momentum before it even builds. Instead of sharp or situational humour, viewers get silly gags that wear thin quickly.
Big expectations, bigger disappointment
The disappointment feels sharper because of the promise attached to Issa Rae’s name. Fans expected her signature wit, layered storytelling, and cultural resonance. What they got instead was a film that feels rushed and underdeveloped.
On social media, reactions have been mixed but lean negative. Many fans expressed frustration that Palmer’s talent was wasted on a flat script, while others admitted they had hoped to see SZA’s transition to acting handled with more care. The general mood: this could have been so much better.
Final verdict
One of Them Days has been reviewed as a film with a weak script, uneven humour, and mixed performances. Keke Palmer is noted as the standout among the cast, while the overall production has received a one-star rating from critics.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: NBC News
