One of Them Days (2025)

🎬 One of Them Days (2025): A Rollercoaster of Friendship, Hustle, and Laughter 🎬

Image Source: IMP Awards 

Director: Lawrence Lamont
Writer: Syreeta Singleton
Producers: Issa Rae, Deniese Davis, Sara Rastogi, James Lopez, Poppy Hanks
Starring: Keke Palmer, SZA, Katt Williams, Vanessa Bell Calloway
Studio: TriStar Pictures & Hoorae Media
Release Date: January 17, 2025
Runtime: 97 minutes
Box Office Gross: $51.8 million

"One of Them Days" is a 2025 American buddy comedy film directed by Lawrence Lamont and written by Syreeta Singleton. The movie stars Keke Palmer and SZA, marking SZA's acting debut, alongside a supporting cast that includes Katt Williams, Lil Rel Howery, and Maude Apatow. The narrative follows best friends Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA) as they embark on a frantic quest to recover their rent money after Alyssa's boyfriend irresponsibly spends it. Released on January 17, 2025, by Sony Pictures Releasing, the film received critical acclaim and grossed over $51 million worldwide.

Plot

Set in Los Angeles, "One of Them Days" centers on Dreux and Alyssa, two inseparable friends and roommates facing eviction after Alyssa's boyfriend, Keshawn, squanders their $1,500 rent money. With only a day to come up with the funds, the duo engages in a series of misadventures, including attempting to sell blood, pawning belongings, and flipping vintage sneakers. Their journey is fraught with comedic mishaps and unexpected encounters, ultimately testing and strengthening their friendship.

Cast

• Keke Palmer as Dreux: A hardworking waitress determined to secure the rent money and maintain stability.

• SZA as Alyssa: A free-spirited artist whose carefree attitude contrasts with Dreux's pragmatism.

• Katt Williams as Lucky: A quirky character who becomes entangled in Dreux and Alyssa's schemes.

• Lil Rel Howery as The Buyer: A potential source of quick cash for the protagonists.

• Maude Apatow as Bethany: A friend who offers support during their ordeal.

• Patrick Cage as Maniac: A local hustler presenting both opportunities and obstacles.

• Gabrielle Dennis as Shayla: A mutual friend involved in their efforts.

• Amin Joseph as King Lolo: A neighborhood figure with influential connections.

• Janelle James as Ruby: A comedic character adding levity to their journey.

• Joshua Neal as Keshawn: Alyssa's irresponsible boyfriend whose actions catalyze the events.

Production

In April 2024, Keke Palmer and SZA were announced as the leads for "One of Them Days," generating significant buzz, particularly due to SZA's transition from music to acting. By July 2024, additional cast members, including Lil Rel Howery and Maude Apatow, were confirmed. Principal photography commenced in July 2024, lasting 22 days, with a production budget of approximately $14 million.

Release

Originally slated for January 24, 2025, the release date was moved up to January 17, 2025, positioning the film for a Martin Luther King Jr. weekend debut. The Los Angeles premiere, scheduled for January 13, was canceled due to the Palisades Fire. Despite this setback, the film opened nationwide as planned and was later made available for streaming on Netflix starting March 31, 2025.

Reception

Box Office Performance

In the United States and Canada, "One of Them Days" was projected to gross between $8 to $13 million during its four-day opening weekend across 2,402 theaters. The film exceeded expectations, earning $4.5 million on its first day (including $1.3 million from Thursday night previews) and debuting with $11.8 million over the weekend, totaling $14 million over the four-day frame. This performance positioned it second behind the holdover "Mufasa: The Lion King" in its fifth weekend. The film continued to perform steadily, grossing $8 million in its second weekend, $5.9 million in its third, and $2.9 million in its fourth, eventually accumulating over $51 million domestically.

Critical Response

"One of Them Days" received widespread critical acclaim. Audiences polled by CinemaScore awarded the film an average grade of "A–," while PostTrak reported an 84% overall positive score, with 63% of viewers indicating they would "definitely recommend" it. Critics praised the chemistry between Palmer and SZA, noting that their on-screen friendship felt authentic and engaging. The film's blend of humor and heartfelt moments was highlighted as a standout feature, with particular commendation for its clever script and strong performances. Allison Rose from FlickDirect remarked, "The film is a fun, emotional, and fully charged ride that showcases the talents of its leading ladies." Kirubhakar Purushothaman of News18 noted, "Despite its predictability, the film delivers in unexpected ways, making it a delightful watch."

Themes and Analysis

"One of Them Days" delves into themes of friendship, resilience, and the socioeconomic challenges faced by young adults in urban settings. The film portrays the gig economy and financial instability with a comedic lens, highlighting the lengths to which individuals will go to secure their livelihoods. The dynamic between Dreux and Alyssa underscores the importance of solidarity and mutual support in overcoming adversity.

Conclusion

"One of Them Days" stands out as a testament to the enduring appeal of buddy comedies, revitalized by the fresh and dynamic performances of Keke Palmer and SZA. Its success at the box office and positive critical reception underscore its impact as a noteworthy comedy in 2025. The film not only entertains but also offers a poignant commentary on contemporary societal issues, making it a significant addition to the genre.