This New Keke Palmer Movie Was a Sleeper Hit at the Box Office and Has a Whopping 95% on Rotten Tomatoes

Prior to its release, this film was dubbed the “female version of Friday.”

Considering the major cult classic status of the 1995 iconic film, that title is a lofty one to live up to, but One of Them Days is certainly off to a good start. Narrowly beating out Mufasa for the number one box office spot over MLK weekend, One of Them Days is the lighthearted comedy I didn’t know I needed.

Starring Keke Palmer and SZA in her feature film debut, the movie centers around a day of chaos, as a young woman’s boyfriend takes her rent money, putting her in a situation where she and her best friend have to come up with $1,500 before the end of the day.

In the attempt to secure the funds, the pair unsuccessfully try getting a loan from the bank, donating blood in exchange for cash and other wild tactics that will have you laughing throughout. Directed by Lawrence Lamont and produced by Issa Rae in conjunction with her Hoorae Media production company, other noteworthy names such as Maude Apatow, Janelle James from Abbott Elementary and Katt Williams make comedic appearances in the film, which is rooted in what I personally call “corny comedy.”

SZA makes a presence in her debut, appearing comfortable in her role as the “glass half full,” positive Alyssa, who while stressed about her boyfriend taking her rent money, also believes things will work itself out as long as she keeps a zen mindset. Her character is balanced out by Palmer’s hilarious showing as Dreux, in what may just be the 31-year-old’s best comedic performance to date.

I didn’t realize how much a film like One of Them Days was needed within Black storytelling—just two young women in a movie that is…funny. There’s no traumatic retelling, nothing that will make you emotional and no critical deep-thinking required—just lighthearted fun.

What I enjoyed most? The slapstick comedy that wasn’t traditionally “funny,” but became humorous because of how ridiculous it was. If you are looking for quality entertainment you can enjoy without any seriousness, I highly recommend giving it a watch. 

One of Them Days is in theaters now.

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