Buddy comedies have long been a staple of Hollywood, often centering around mismatched male protagonists whose offbeat chemistry drives a series of chaotic and comedic adventures. While this genre flourished during the 1980s and 1990s with films like Trading Places, 48 Hours, Men in Black, and Bad Boys, it has rarely given the same spotlight to female friendships. However, the release of One of Them Days is changing the game and offering a promising new chapter in the world of buddy comedies.
The film follows Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), two best friends and roommates living in a run-down apartment complex in Los Angeles. Their close-knit, all-Black community offers them a sense of support, but they face the ongoing challenge of living under the oppressive control of a ruthless landlord. As gentrification threatens to drive them out, their situation becomes increasingly dire.
Dreux works as a waitress at a classic American diner, hoping to climb the corporate ladder to become a franchise manager. While she has the skills and ambition, the corporate world remains elusive. In contrast, Alyssa is a free-spirited artist, whose chaotic life and lack of financial stability prevent her from understanding Dreux’s corporate aspirations. As the two struggle to make ends meet, they live month to month, barely managing to pay rent on time.
When the rent is due one month, the friends are shocked to find themselves facing eviction. Their landlord insists they haven’t paid, despite their belief that they’ve met the deadline. After a tense exchange, the landlord grudgingly gives them until the end of the day to come up with the money.
With the clock ticking, the duo must solve the mystery of where their rent money went. In a moment of desperation, Alyssa admits she gave the cash to her unreliable boyfriend, Keshawn (Joshua David Neal), hoping he would deliver it to the landlord. As expected, Keshawn has failed to follow through, leaving Dreux and Alyssa scrambling to recover the funds.
Their attempts to solve the problem grow increasingly absurd. The pair approaches a bank for a loan but is turned down. Undeterred, they brainstorm a series of harebrained schemes to raise the money, including selling their blood.
Amidst the chaos, Dreux is also juggling a crucial interview for the franchise job she desperately wants. As the film races toward its climax, the duo’s friendship is tested by both the hilarious and more dramatic moments, showing the complexity of their bond.
Palmer and SZA share sizzling chemistry, their performances bringing both comedic timing and emotional depth to the screen. Palmer shines as the grounded, goal-oriented Dreux, while SZA, in her first acting role, captures Alyssa’s free-spirited nature with ease. Their dynamic is both funny and heartfelt, making the film a standout in the buddy comedy genre.
One of Them Days not only provides a fresh take on female friendships but also leaves audiences hoping for more from this dynamic duo. With its mix of humor, heart, and chaotic adventures, this film could be the start of a female-driven buddy comedy revolution.
One of Them Days is now playing in cinemas, rated 15A.
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