Introduction

In the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of The Jungles in Los Angeles, the first of the month comes with an all-too-familiar tension for its residents. Enter Uche (Rizi Timane), the no-nonsense landlord who's more focused on collecting overdue rent than making necessary repairs. Struggling to retain their place in this lively neighborhood, Dreux (Keke Palmer), a compassionate waitress, and her unpredictable roommate Alyssa (SZA) find themselves in a tight spot when rent is due, but payment isn’t.

The Plot

Waking from a half-asleep state to confront her landlord, Dreux believes he must be mistaken; after all, her roommate Alyssa assured her that their rent was taken care of. But Alyssa’s unreliable boyfriend, Keshawn (Joshua David Neal), has taken the money to fuel his dreamy entrepreneurial aspirations, leaving the two women scrambling. With only eight hours to produce $1,500 and salvage their living situation, the stakes have never been higher.

Direction and Writing

Directed by Lawrence Lamont and penned by Syreeta Singleton, "One of Them Days" cleverly narrates the rollercoaster adventure of these two women through a comedic lens, capturing the essence of survival within the framework of capitalism. From planning a laughable heist to retrieve their rent from Keshawn to contemplating drawing blood for cash, Dreux and Alyssa’s resourcefulness is both outrageous and relatable. The duo's journey becomes a profound exploration of their dreams while they navigate the delicate truths of their friendship.

Character Performances

With an impressive performance from Keke Palmer, who balances humor and practicality as Dreux, audiences are treated to an engaging character that viewers can’t help but root for. Dreux’s goal of becoming a franchise manager forms the heart of her character, embodying unwavering determination.

On the flip side, SZA brings her artistry to life as Alyssa, a free-spirited artist struggling with both her career and romantic choices. Alyssa’s character feels as if she stepped right out of SZA's lyrics, reflecting themes found in songs like “Normal Girl” and “Blind.” Their dynamic blends nostalgia with reality, echoing the beloved friendships found in Issa Rae’s previous works, such as "Insecure."

Emotional Depth and Challenges

As Dreux and Alyssa tackle challenges like romantic distractions and unexpected misunderstandings, their emotional journey reveals the complex nature of long-term friendships. While some attempts at emotional depth stumble—like a key scene that feels rushed—these moments of vulnerability only slightly detract from the otherwise high-flying experience.

Social Commentary

Through South Los Angeles, their audacious escapades unfold against a canvas of gentrification. The film cleverly integrates social commentary, embodied by a memorable cameo from Maude Apatow as Bethany, who represents a newly welcomed tenant oblivious to neighborhood changes.

Humor and Heart

Not only does "One of Them Days" critique social inequities, but it also brings moments of heartfelt hilarity. Including a standout scene with a satirical payday loan experience featuring a scene-stealing Keyla Monterroso Mejia and Katt Williams, the film highlights a playful yet poignant commentary on working-class life.

Conclusion

With laugh-out-loud moments intertwined with sharp social observations, "One of Them Days" serves as a refreshing comedic escapade while reminding us of the universality of the burden of rent. As anticipation builds for its premiere, it’s clear this film is poised to create waves and resonate with audiences, making it an exciting must-see in theaters!