Comedies are hard to come by these days. They’re practically non-existent — a reality I’m quite bitter about because who doesn’t like to laugh? — or, if they do exist, are just plain bad. So I was surprised that One of Them Days
managed to get made at all. The film, directed by Lawrence Lamont from a screenplay by Syreeta Singleton, is a throwback buddy comedy we don’t see much of. While that occasionally works against it, One of Them Days is fun and delightfully absurd. Keke Palmer and SZA are great together and it’s their chemistry and interactions that largely work.

The comedy takes the realities of its two characters — Dreux and Alyssa, played by Palmer and SZA, respectively — and brings them to the forefront on what can only be called the worst day ever for both of them. Having spent their rent money, Alyssa’s boyfriend, Keshawn (Joshua David Neal), disappears, putting the best friends and roommates on a desperate path to recoup the money before they’re evicted. Add Dreux’s franchise restaurant manager interview being in the same time window and you’ve got a race-against-the-clock adventure/disaster waiting.

One Of Them Days Is Tonally Consistent

Singleton’s screenplay is adept at putting obstacles in Dreux and Alyssa’s path while introducing situations and characters who come into play later on in the story. The characters’ circumstances are dire and One of Them Days doesn’t shy away from that aspect of the story, with loan sharks, stern and stubborn landlords, and ambulance bills lurking at every possible corner. Dreux and Alyssa have to get savvy about getting their money back, but it’s their reliance on each other that helps them through, even if the stress of the situation threatens to destroy their friendship.

While certain subplots go on for too long — including one that sees Berniece (Aziza Scott), who Keshawn is cheating on Alyssa with, hunting down the main duo — One of Them Days mines the comedy from Dreux and Alyssa’s circumstances. It can get ridiculously over-the-top, but those are also the parts that made me laugh. Palmer is especially great at turning random lines into comedy gold, and her reactions to everything happening around and to her are top-notch. Truth be told, Palmer’s Dreux is the strongest character in the film, and you’ll laugh and feel for her in equal measure.

The film’s humor ebbs and flows, but thanks to the story it at least remains consistent with the tone of the movie. It’s silly fun that isn’t particularly good, but it is serviceable. More films like One of Them Days should be made. There’s a comedy void that is filled by the film and it’s exactly the kind of movie best seen in theaters. There’s nothing like laughing together at the shenanigans of the characters while, at the same time, rooting for them as they get in over their heads and still manage to come out the other side.

Keke Palmer & SZA Are A Dynamic Duo

And The Highlight Of One Of Them Days

Crucially, One of Them Days is elevated by Palmer and SZA, who play off each other well. They’re constantly put in scenarios that test not only their characters’ friendship but also their loyalty and how far they’re willing to go for each other despite the very clear issues they need to work through. Of the two SZA’s Alyssa is a bit more spacey while Dreux is more of the problem solver. But as the film goes on, each of the characters gets to prove themselves in different ways, which surprises both of them, and us, in the process.

Palmer and SZA have a playful chemistry and their onscreen relationship instantly feels lived-in and deep without the film having to go out of its way to prove that to us. They have jovial (and sometimes scathing) interactions that are rarely forced. One of Them Days smartly maintains the heart throughout the movie so that we worry about what will become of them if they don’t get the money and the state of their friendship.

The film captures the spirit of a buddy comedy while exploring friendship at its core. The film won’t go down as one of the best comedies, but it’s a refreshing change of pace in a movie landscape that seems to focus on almost every other genre besides comedy and romance. Palmer and SZA are surrounded by a memorable supporting cast — including a hilarious turn from Abbott Elementary star Janelle James — and the ending more than makes up for some of the film’s weaker areas. If you’re looking for an overall fun time at the movies, One of Them Days delivers.

One of Them Days is in theaters on January 17. The film is 119 minutes long and rated R for language throughout, Sєxual material and brief drug use.