“One of Them Days” is a refreshing comedy from producer Issa Rae that follows best friends Dreux (Keke Palmer), a waitress at a Norms Restaurant, and Alyssa (SZA), a struggling painter.

Lawrence Lamont’s directorial debut follows the duo as they set off on a mission to avoid eviction by making $1,500 in nine hours after Alyssa’s boyfriend, Keshawn (Joshua David Neal) steals their rent money for his own business venture of selling cheap t-shirts that read “Cucci.” The pair’s misadventures and attempts to make quick cash lead them to nothing but trouble as they travel around Los Angeles, racing against the clock.

What really brings “One of Them Days” to life is the chemistry between the lead actors. There is never a dull moment in the film, as Dreux and Alyssa are portrayed as true best friends who always seem to put the other first.

Their clear, shared sense of dedication to each other and humorous antics established their relationship as the beating heart of the story. Even when the two are at their lowest, they still have each other’s best interests in mind, allowing the audience to see their two sides as both loyal friends and individuals frustrated with their current situations.

Daily headlines, sent straight to your inbox.

Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up with the latest at and around USC.

Palmer performs like her own rent is due, stealing the show with her incredible presence and impeccable comedic timing. Her facial expressions are on point throughout the film and amusing to watch. Her portrayal of Dreux, who has a big interview for a franchise manager position in the midst of the chaos, also feels exceptionally honest. This subplot balances well in a way that doesn’t make it feel forced, cheesy or a burden on the larger narrative; in fact, it grounds the story and gives it heart.

In her feature film debut, SZA performs with poise and ease. While musicians trying to break into the acting world can often be the downfall of many movies, SZA’s character never feels superficial nor overshadows her co-stars. She slips into the role of Alyssa like any seasoned actor would, portraying her as a vibrant, sometimes reckless artist living in L.A. Her comedic timing and presence, particularly during Alyssa’s impulsive schemes, added a fresh energy that made her performance memorable.

A large part of the movie is the numerous characters Dreux and Alyssa meet along the way. From a former stripper turned blood bank nurse to a sneakerhead who tricks Alyssa into paying a lower price for a pair of shoes, each new character added incredible comedic value to the movie.

A standout addition is Kathy (Keyla Monterroso Mejia), an employee at a sketchy cash-advance loan office with a nearly 2,000% APR and a wall of bounties for outstanding loans. After seeing Dreux’s absurdly low credit score, she laughs in both of their faces and delivers her lines impeccably.

Recurring gags throughout the film kept the audience engaged and laughing. When Dreux and Alyssa first go looking for Keshawn at a sketchy apartment complex, a wig is blown by the wind in front of them and Dreux calls it a “tumbleweave.” However, some of the gags felt unnecessary even though they were mildly funny, like the dishwasher inside Dreux’s restaurant malfunctioning and sending her coworker flying into and damaging a wall.

Through all of the hijinks and chaos, the film also featured a killer soundtrack with iconic current rap hits such as “NISSAN ALTIMA” by Doechii, which elevated a high-stakes chase scene. The inclusion of retro rhythm and blues tracks like “Crossroads of Life” by The O’Jays helped to establish a vibrant atmosphere and cemented the film’s L.A. setting.

While Palmer and SZA’s comedy remained consistently on point, the characters’ sincerity toward the end of the film was tonally different but still remained engaging.

There was a beautiful balance of having a meaningful story of friendship and perseverance and also an entertaining comedic adventure. When the protagonists finally get their happy ending, it doesn’t feel disconnected but rather satisfying and deserved, inviting the audience to share a Hot Cheeto martini with Dreux and Alyssa.