Keke Palmer and SZA Star in One of Them Days—A Comedy You Didn’t See Coming

The buddy comedy scene is getting a fresh twist with One of Them Days, starring Keke Palmer and SZA.

It’s not just another run-of-the-mill flick; it’s R-rated, irreverent, and ready to flip the typical “two broke friends” story on its head.

Directed by Lawrence Lamont and produced under Issa Rae’s Hoorae banner, this film lands in cinemas on 24 January 2025, promising a wild ride of hilarity and unexpected twists.

Rent Is Due and Chaos Ensues

The plot centres on Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), two friends just trying to make it in Los Angeles without getting booted out of their flat. Sounds easy enough, right?

Well, not when Alyssa’s boyfriend decides to blow their rent money, leaving them scrambling to find £1,500 before the clock strikes eviction o’clock.

Cue a frantic day full of desperate schemes, from attempting a dodgy loan to climbing a telephone pole for a pair of pricey trainers.

It’s a setup that’s both painfully real and laugh-out-loud ridiculous—an R-rated blend of chaos and camaraderie.

The trailer, released today, 24 October 2024, gives us a peek at the madness, with Palmer’s comedic timing and SZA’s unpolished yet natural delivery taking centre stage.

Oh, and did we mention that this is SZA’s acting debut? The R&B artist trades in her sultry vocals for punchy one-liners, and the result is surprisingly good.

The Real Star Here? Relatable Struggle

Beyond the laughs, the film has a few things working in its favour that go beyond just star power.

Issa Rae’s production company is known for championing diverse voices, and One of Them Days is no exception.

Developed through Sony’s ColorCreative’s lab, a programme designed to boost emerging screenwriters, this movie is proof that Hollywood can make room for fresh narratives.

But let’s not get too high-brow—at its heart, One of Them Days is all about the misadventures that happen when everything that could go wrong, does.

It’s a story of resilience, but in a messy, down-to-earth kind of way.

Think spilled slushies, awkward encounters, and the kind of friendship that can survive even the worst of days.

SZA and Keke Palmer’s Unlikely Tag Team

If you thought Keke Palmer’s comedic chops peaked with her Nope performance or that SZA’s on-screen presence was limited to music videos, think again.

The two first showed their chemistry on a Saturday Night Live episode back in 2022, and One of Them Days builds on that energy in a big way.

Palmer’s character, Dreux, navigates a whirlwind of panic and problem-solving, while SZA’s Alyssa offers up a mix of deadpan humour and relatable exasperation.

The movie brings in familiar faces like Euphoria’s Maude Apatow and Abbott Elementary’s Janelle James, adding even more punch to the ensemble.

Lil Rel Howery and Katt Williams round out the cast, ensuring that every corner of this comedy is packed with personality.

Why Everyone’s Talking About One of Them Days

Part of the excitement around One of Them Days comes down to the timing.

With its January release, it’s poised to be one of the first big comedies of 2025, and the internet is already dissecting every frame of the trailer.

Fans of both Palmer and SZA are eager to see how their chemistry translates to the big screen.

The film’s trailer has racked up views, and discussions are buzzing on social media about whether SZA can pull off a role outside her music career—especially following the emotive depth she’s shown in her music video Kill Bill.

Plus, there’s something refreshingly nostalgic about a comedy that’s not afraid to get a little messy—think Superbad or Friday but with a 2025 twist.

And in a time when so many comedies feel like they’re playing it safe, One of Them Days seems ready to embrace the chaos.

Beyond This Film: What’s Next for This Dynamic Duo?

The collaboration between SZA and Palmer doesn’t end here.

They’ll be seen together again in I Love Boosters, a heist comedy directed by Boots Riley, where they join forces with LaKeith Stanfield.

It’s clear that the duo isn’t content with sticking to one lane, and their willingness to take risks is exactly what makes One of Them Days so intriguing.

Whether you’re here for the laughs, the chemistry, or just curious about how SZA fares as a leading lady, One of Them Days has something to offer.

It’s not trying to be groundbreaking cinema—it just wants to make you laugh, maybe cringe a little, and remind you that even the worst days can come with a few good jokes.

And really, what more could you want from a movie that kicks off the new year?