Why One of Them Days Is Exactly What We Needed
So, I went to see One of Them Days on opening weekend—because duh, we support real Black media moguls around here. Issa Rae and Keke Palmer? A literal dream team. These women are not just creatives; they're cultural architects. As someone navigating the media world myself, I can only dream of touching the hem of their garments—just like that lady with Jesus. (Don’t act like y’all don’t know the story!)
Sony Pictures
But for real, this collaboration was a no-brainer. After Keke Palmer’s short feature on Insecure (she played the role of Condola’s sister) and Issa’s knack for turning everyday chaos into comedic gold, this movie was destined for greatness. Add SZA to the mix, and what do you get? A potential cult classic that will have Twitter buzzing for years.
Let’s be real: the movie scene has been drier than a scalp in the winter lately. Between unnecessary remakes and franchises that won’t quit (Fast & Furious, I’m looking at you), I’ve been yearning for something fresh to electrify my creative soul. One of Them Days delivered. It gave me the same vibe as the Friday series…authentic, hilarious, and unapologetically Black.
Here’s what stood out to me:
1. The Humor and Social Commentary
This is a tale as old as time (well, modern times): Alyssa and Dreux are two women on a mission to scrape together $1,500 for rent before 6 p.m. Their day turns into a wild goose chase of mini-missions, and the humor is both laugh-out-loud funny and painfully relatable.
One scene instantly grabbed me: the girls at the community lender, where a poster on the wall advertises a 1900.5% interest rate. I gagged! Because, honestly, that’s what it feels like in real life. Black folks' access to money often feels like a trap—an endless cycle of "pay this, owe that." Then there’s the moment they see their friend being evicted. That raw, gut-punch of a scene hit close to home. You can feel their disappointment, but it’s also a stark reminder: you can’t pour from an empty cup. They had to keep it moving to solve their own problems. And that’s kind of how life is right now for a lot of people in this economy.
2. Keke and SZA’s Friendship Chemistry
The dynamic between Keke and SZA was everything. They’re polar opposites but still make space for each other to be their authentic selves. Keke’s patience with SZA throughout the movie deserves its own award because let’s be real…most of us would’ve tapped out after the first mess-up. But the final straw? When SZA’s antics cost Keke an opportunity she worked so hard for? Whew. You felt that heartbreak. It’s the kind of layered friendship we don’t always see in movies: messy, loyal, and real.
3. The Cameos Gave Me Life
When I tell you the cameos in this movie were a chef’s kiss... Katt Williams, Lil Rel Howery, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Janelle James, and even Keke Palmer’s real-life mama showed up. And shoutout to Joshua David Neal—he’s been hustling hard, and this was his moment! This cast wasn’t just randomly pieced together; it felt like a love letter to Hollywood’s grinders.
Issa Rae has always had an eye for raw talent and hustlers, and this movie is no exception. Every familiar face contributed to the film’s easygoing, relatable vibe. It reminded me that you don’t have to wait for Hollywood to validate you—just stay committed to your lane and the right opportunities will come.
Final Thoughts
I’m giving One of Them Days a solid 9/10. The ending got a little chaotic, but the movie quickly found its footing again. It was everything I needed: humor, heart, and a reminder of why Black creatives deserve to be celebrated. It’s a must see!
So, have y’all seen it yet? What did you think? Let’s talk about it in the comments.