Keke Palmer and SZA Shine in the 2025 Comedy Hit ‘One of Them Days’

Keke Palmer’s latest project, One of Them Days, is already making waves ahead of its January 2025 release. Teaming up with music superstar SZA in her acting debut, this R-rated buddy comedy has debuted with a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. Directed by Lawrence Lamont and produced by Issa Rae’s Hoorae, the movie offers a hilarious, fast-paced look at two roommates trying to escape an epic financial mess. With top-notch comedic chemistry and rave early reviews, it’s shaping up to be a must-watch for comedy fans next year.

Overview of ‘One of Them Days’

Keke Palmer and SZA headline the 2025 comedy One of Them Days, a film that artfully blends humor and relatable struggles. Directed by Lawrence Lamont, this buddy comedy draws viewers in with its dynamic characters, razor-sharp dialogue, and an honest portrayal of financial hardships in Los Angeles. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this movie a standout in next year’s film lineup.

Plot Summary

In One of Them Days, the storyline revolves around Dreux (played by Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (played by SZA), two best friends and roommates facing a financial catastrophe. When Alyssa’s boyfriend squanders their $1,500 rent money, the duo is left scrambling to make ends meet within 48 hours to avoid eviction. Their desperate yet hilarious attempts to raise the cash set the tone for the movie, taking audiences through a whirlwind of misadventures.

Set in Los Angeles’ Baldwin Village neighborhood, the film captures the unique energy of the city while grounding it in working-class realities. As Dreux juggles her job as a waitress and Alyssa struggles with her creative ambitions, their journey dives deep into everyday financial struggles, adding an authentic layer to the comedy’s chaotic plot.

For more on the plot details, check out this comprehensive summary on IMDb.

Main Characters and Cast

The movie’s cast brings its characters to life with standout performances. Here’s a quick rundown of the main players:

• Keke Palmer as Dreux: A quick-witted waitress balancing her job and a dire rent situation.
• SZA as Alyssa: A dreamer whose creativity often clashes with reality, marking SZA’s striking debut as an actress.
• Lil Rel Howery: Plays a mysterious character known as “The Buyer.”
• Janelle James: Known for her comedic timing, she portrays a pivotal role in the duo’s misadventures.
• Vanessa Bell Calloway: Delivers a heartfelt performance as Mama Ruth, Dreux’s tough but loving mother.

This all-star ensemble, including cameos by seasoned comedians like Katt Williams, amplifies the film’s humor and emotional impact. The chemistry between Palmer and SZA, in particular, is a huge draw. Dive deeper into the full cast and crew.

Themes and Setting

At its heart, One of Them Days is a comedic yet sobering look at financial struggle, friendship, and the lengths we go to survive. Set in Baldwin Village, the film uses its Los Angeles backdrop to reflect the pressures of working-class life. The city’s vibrant yet challenging environment becomes a character in itself, adding depth to the movie’s narrative.

The themes of resilience and desperation feel especially relevant, offering a lens on how economic challenges affect personal relationships. The portrayal is nuanced—while the humor keeps it lighthearted, the underlying struggles make the story relatable for anyone who’s ever had to hustle to pay the bills.

For more insights into the themes and setting, here’s an interesting perspective on how Los Angeles plays into the story’s heart: L.A. and its impact on the movie’s themes.

Keke Palmer and SZA’s Comedic Chemistry

The energetic collaboration between Keke Palmer and SZA in One of Them Days is a masterclass in on-screen chemistry. Palmer, a seasoned actress with a rich history in comedy, joins forces with SZA, who makes a stunning debut in acting. Together, they create a dynamic duo that’s as relatable as they are hilarious.

Keke Palmer’s Established Legacy

Keke Palmer’s ability to make audiences laugh has been refined over a career spanning two decades. From her breakout role in Akeelah and the Bee to her scene-stealing performances in comedies like Hustlers and Key & Peele, Palmer has consistently showcased impeccable comedic timing. Her unique blend of charisma and authenticity turns even the most mundane dialogue into comedic gold. In One of Them Days, Palmer takes on the role of Dreux with her trademark wit, delivering punchlines and physical comedy that feel effortless.

Known for breaking boundaries across the entertainment industry, Palmer’s versatility has been a major factor in her longevity. She seamlessly juggles hosting, singing, and acting while continuing to evolve as one of Hollywood’s most reliable stars. Want to explore the breadth of Keke Palmer’s career? Check out her IMDb profile or her feature in NBC Insider.

SZA’s Acting Debut

As a multi-platinum recording artist, SZA has already proven her ability to connect with audiences through music. Her leap into acting with One of Them Days is a bold move, and it pays off spectacularly. SZA plays Alyssa with an earnestness that makes the character both lovable and hilariously flawed. The role demands more than comedic timing—it requires vulnerability, which SZA delivers with surprising ease.

Her seamless transition might make viewers forget it’s her first time on the big screen. SZA’s natural chemistry with Palmer amplifies the humor and keeps the film grounded in its emotional beats. Critics and audiences alike have been stunned by her performance, with Palmer even stating, “The world is about to be just gagged by SZA’s acting debut.” For more on SZA’s impressive start in Hollywood, visit NYLON’s interview or this piece from Billboard.

Together, Palmer and SZA create a partnership that is as heartfelt as it is hilarious, making One of Them Days a true highlight of the 2025 film calendar.

Behind the Scenes of ‘One of Them Days’

The 2025 comedy, One of Them Days, is far from your typical feel-good film. Its mix of sharp humor and grounded relatability wouldn’t have been possible without the exceptional collaboration of its production team and writers. From Issa Rae’s visionary production guidance to Syreeta Singleton’s heartfelt screenplay, every layer of this movie reinforces its brilliance.

Production and Direction

If there’s anyone who knows how to craft an engaging story, it’s Issa Rae. Known for her groundbreaking work in projects like Insecure and Rap Sh!t, Rae’s production company, Hoorae Media, brings an innovative flair to One of Them Days. Rae’s deep understanding of storytelling and her commitment to showcasing authentic Black experiences stand out in this project. By presenting financial struggles with humor and heart, she ensures the film’s tone resonates across cultures.

The direction by Lawrence Lamont, meanwhile, ties everything together seamlessly. Lamont, known for capturing vivid emotions through visual storytelling, ensures that every comedic moment lands while balancing the film’s emotional weight. His collaboration with Rae is evident in the way he highlights both the hilarities and challenges of living paycheck to paycheck. For an inside look at Issa Rae’s impact on the production, check out Washington Post’s deep dive.

Photo by Maksim Romashkin

Writing and Script

The screenplay, penned by acclaimed writer Syreeta Singleton, breathes life into what could have been just another buddy comedy. Singleton’s expertise, honed through previous work on shows like Black Monday and Central Park, shines in her debut feature film. Her script is packed with razor-sharp dialogue and comedic beats that feel both natural and hilarious.

One of Singleton’s standout qualities is her knack for making humor feel deeply personal. By blending laugh-out-loud moments with the sobering realities of financial pressure, she keeps audiences engaged without veering into cliches. The characters feel real because the struggles they face are so familiar. Critics have noted that Singleton’s ability to mix absurd scenarios with genuine human emotion is part of what makes the movie a hit. Read more about her journey and other works on Wikipedia’s feature on Syreeta Singleton.

Together, Rae, Lamont, and Singleton crafted a story that doesn’t just entertain—it speaks to anyone who’s ever had to hustle for survival. The vibrant images, dialogue, and dynamic scenes make One of Them Days a standout project in 2025’s cinematic offerings.

Critical Reception and Audience Response

The buzz surrounding One of Them Days extends beyond its star-studded cast and hilarious premise. Critics and audiences alike have embraced the film wholeheartedly, making it a standout hit in early 2025. Below, we break down the critical acclaim and the enthusiastic responses from fans.

Rotten Tomatoes Score

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

With a glowing 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes, One of Them Days has achieved a rare feat. Critics praised the movie for its sharp humor, authentic performances, and clever writing. Many noted Keke Palmer and SZA’s onscreen chemistry as the film’s backbone—a hilarious yet heartfelt portrayal of two working-class women hustling through life’s outrageous challenges. Reviewers also applauded its balance of slapstick comedy with relatable storytelling, setting it apart from many comedies that rely solely on overdone gags. Experience the full list of glowing reviews on Rotten Tomatoes here.

Audience Praise

If you think critics loved the film, audiences might just love it even more. Fans took to social media and review sites to rave about the movie, highlighting how it mixes laugh-out-loud moments with themes that hit close to home.

• Relatable themes: Many viewers shared how the film’s focus on financial struggles resonated with their own experiences. The movie drew parallels between humor and real-life problems in a way that felt authentic.
• Hilarious scenes: From comedic mishaps at Dreux’s waitress job to Alyssa’s creative escapades, fans couldn’t stop talking about the film’s standout scenes.
• Chemistry: The undeniable charisma between Palmer and SZA had fans calling them the next great comedy duo.

Want to know what others are saying? Check out insights from early audiences and critics on Rendy Reviews.

Comparisons to Other Comedies

When compared to recent hits in the comedy genre, One of Them Days manages to stand on its own. It has been likened to movies like Girls Trip or Booksmart but sets itself apart with its unapologetically raw look at financial woes.

Here’s how One of Them Days stacks up:

• Similarities: Like Girls Trip, this film thrives on its powerful female lead dynamic. It also shares Booksmart‘s knack for chaotic yet endearing storytelling.
• What makes it unique: The real star here is its focus on working-class struggles. While other recent comedies lean heavily into glitz, this one keeps a grounded perspective without losing the humor.

For more comparisons and insights, take a look at this Screen Rant review, which highlights the brilliant mix of humor and depth in One of Them Days.

Critics and audiences alike agree—One of Them Days is much more than your typical buddy comedy. It’s a fresh take on the genre that delivers both laughs and heart in equal measure.

Cultural and Social Impact

One of Them Days isn’t just a comedy; it’s a mirror held up to society, reflecting both the struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities. At its core, the film uses humor and realism to tackle major societal issues, making its cultural and social impact undeniable.

Representation in Film

Photo by Darya Sannikova

Representation in movies isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. In One of Them Days, the choice to center the narrative on two working-class Black women living in Los Angeles is not just refreshing but also transformative. Stories of individuals juggling low-paying jobs and ambitious dreams often get overlooked in Hollywood. By spotlighting such characters, the film not only entertains but also resonates with audiences who rarely see their lives reflected on-screen.

Dreux and Alyssa, the movie’s protagonists, represent real people navigating a system stacked against them. Their struggles with rent payments, financial instability, and the constant hustle hit close to home for many viewers. The film sends a strong message: these stories matter too. It builds empathy while normalizing diversity. This approach aligns with a growing movement in film to push for inclusive storytelling. For a deeper look into why representation matters, check out this article on diversity and representation in TV and movies.

When filmmakers focus on groups traditionally underrepresented in media, the effects ripple outward. Beyond just making the audience feel seen, it reinforces the idea that every community deserves to have its stories told—with humor, drama, and authenticity.

Satire on Financial Struggles

Financial hardship is the backdrop for much of One of Them Days. While the storyline delivers laugh-out-loud moments, it does so by addressing an issue many face but few openly discuss: the crushing weight of economic struggles. The movie’s comedic lens doesn’t downplay these challenges—it makes them relatable and accessible. Think of it as laughter with a purpose.

Dreux and Alyssa’s wild attempts to gather rent money serve as both entertainment and commentary. Their creativity in navigating absurd and desperate situations highlights the systematic barriers that make financial stability such a challenge for so many. How does one laugh amidst the chaos of eviction notices and looming debt? That’s where the movie shines. Its humor doesn’t mask reality but instead brings attention to it in an engaging way. For examples of how comedy can tackle serious topics, see this take on movies addressing financial struggles through humor.

The beauty of satire is its ability to spark conversations. By using comedic relief, One of Them Days opens the door for audiences to reflect. Why are financial safety nets so elusive? How can the average person stay afloat in an economy that feels tilted against them? The film subtly asks these questions without preaching, a delicate balance that many comedies fail to maintain.

Whether it’s laughing at the outrageous or nodding along in agreement, audiences will feel connected to the realities woven into the humor. In the end, this satire works because it’s deeply rooted in truth—using comedy not to escape from reality but to confront it with a smile.

Release and Distribution

The release and distribution of One of Them Days have played a crucial role in cementing its status as one of the most talked-about films of 2025. From its carefully chosen theatrical release date to its strong box office performance, the movie shows no signs of slowing down.

Theatrical Release Details

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

Sony Pictures timed the release of One of Them Days perfectly to coincide with the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, debuting in theaters nationwide on January 17, 2025. This strategic timing allowed the movie to take advantage of the extended weekend, increasing its visibility among eager audiences. The highly anticipated comedy was released across 2,675 theaters in North America, making it one of the biggest January releases of the year.

Audiences flocked to see the comedic duo of Keke Palmer and SZA, with early buzz and glowing reviews amplifying interest. Many moviegoers marveled at how the film managed to blend comedy with deeply relatable themes of financial struggles. For more details about its release, visit this overview on Movie Insider.

Box Office Success

One of Them Days didn’t just meet expectations at the box office—it soared past them. The film brought in $11.6 million during its debut weekend, securing a spot as the No. 2 movie in North America, trailing only behind a major Disney release. This impressive opening firmly placed it as one of the top-performing films of the 2025 MLK weekend, attracting both comedy and non-comedy fans alike.

As reports from Variety highlight, the movie’s early success was a combination of its star power, critical acclaim, and word-of-mouth momentum. By its second week, One of Them Days had passed the $20 million mark, showing strong legs as viewers returned for repeat watches.

According to additional insights from USA Today, the film capitalized on its R rating, which allowed for bolder humor and a sharper focus on adult themes. With a mix of compelling storytelling and hilarious performances, it’s safe to say that One of Them Days is setting the bar high for comedies this year.

Conclusion

One of Them Days stands as a highlight of 2025, blending sharp comedy with an honest look at everyday struggles. Keke Palmer and SZA’s undeniable chemistry elevates the story, making it both relatable and unforgettable. This film not only entertains but also underscores the power of representation and authentic storytelling.

Don’t miss your chance to experience what critics are already calling one of the year’s best comedies. Whether it’s for the laugh-out-loud moments or the heartfelt connection, One of Them Days delivers on every level. What are you most excited to see in this groundbreaking comedy? Let us know!