‘One of Them Days’ review: Buddy comedies are so back

Keke Palmer and SZA light up the screen in One of Them Days, a funny and heartwarming buddy comedy set in South LA.

In an era dominated by superheroes and high-stakes thrillers, it’s refreshing to see the return of a genre we didn’t realize we were missing: the classic buddy comedy. Director Lawrence Lamont’s debut feature, One of Them Days, delivers the perfect antidote to today’s blockbuster overload; a breezy, feel-good romp that centers on two best friends facing a day full of misadventures in South Los Angeles. And yes, it’s as fun as it sounds.

Starring the effervescent Keke Palmer and Grammy-winning singer SZA in her film debut, One of Them Days is a love letter to the urban comedy films of the ’90s (think Friday, but with a modern twist). Dreux (Palmer) is a determined, hard-working waitress on the brink of an important interview, while Alyssa (SZA) is her free-spirited roommate who’s blissfully unaware of their looming financial disaster. When the pair realizes that their rent money has gone missing, the clock starts ticking as they race around their South LA neighborhood trying to come up with a quick solution.

A ’90s-style comedy with heart.

What makes One of Them Days so magnetic is its incredible chemistry between Palmer and SZA. Their dynamic feels authentic and natural with Palmer exuding a grounded, strait-laced energy that complements SZA’s effortlessly cool, slightly chaotic vibe. Together they craft a friendship that’s both hilarious and heartfelt, full of the playful banter and moments of genuine emotion that make you want to hang out with them all day. Palmer brings her comedic chops (honed through years in television and film) while SZA holds her own by infusing her character with an understated charm and sly humor that suggests she might have a future in film, too.

Lamont’s direction is breezy and confident, showing an impressive knack for pacing and visual style, especially for a first-time feature director. He captures the pulse of the neighborhood with a loving, unfiltered lens, mixing humor with moments of rawness that give the film a deeper emotional texture. His approach keeps things light and fun but never forgets the humanity of its characters. The supporting cast—including a hilarious turn by Maude Apatow—brings even more energy to an already lively ensemble, making the film feel like a true ensemble effort.

Relatable struggles with a fun twist.

This is a story rooted in everyday problems, which makes it easy to connect with. Paying rent is a universal struggle, and while the movie doesn’t shy away from the serious implications of money woes, it never lets the tone become too heavy. Instead, it builds its humor on the absurdity of the situation and the wild, resourceful ways Dreux and Alyssa try to solve their problems. From blood bank donations to bizarre run-ins with their eccentric neighbors (shoutout to Janelle James and Katt Williams), every moment feels fresh and fun. Even the city of Los Angeles itself becomes a character, with the vibrant, sun-soaked streets of Baldwin Village serving as the perfect backdrop for these two to navigate their day of chaos.

The film’s biggest strength lies in its grounded simplicity. There’s no convoluted plot or forced twists—just two friends, one chaotic day, and a lot of laughs. While the third act does introduce a more dramatic villain that might feel a tad out of place at first, it ultimately serves the story, heightening the stakes and creating more opportunities for humor. Lamont never loses sight of what makes the movie work: the chemistry between the leads and the joy of watching them get into ridiculous situations.

The bottom line.

As slapstick comedies grow increasingly rare, One of Them Days shines as a tribute to the timeless appeal of simple, heartfelt humor. It’s funny, uplifting, and brimming with that infectious energy that makes you eager to share it with friends. This film is proof that buddy comedies are far from dead—they’re just getting started.

One of Them Days is now playing in theaters everywhere. You can watch the trailer here.

Images courtesy of Sony Pictures. You can read more articles by Alyshia Kelly here.