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One of Them Days (2025) - Film Review

Writer's picture: christophermizerakchristophermizerak

Every so often, there are times when the trailer does a grave misjustice to the film it's advertising. "One of Them Days" can serve as a prime example of this as of late. Upon seeing the trailer, I was certain this would tank and that it wouldn't be up my alley. Yet with renewed humbleness, this film proves why it's important to give something a chance as there's always the possibility of drawing the wrong conclusion. In other words, that's why film critics do what they do. To explore and figure out something we didn't know we needed until after the fact.


Keke Palmer and SZA are a well paired duo as two roommates who have to find a way to make enough money and avoid being evicted from their current apartment. As one thing after another goes wrong, namely SZA's incompetent boyfriend (Joshua Neal) and his newfound lover (Aziza Scott), their united plight in scooping fast dough seems fruitless. But as one promising prospect after another unveils itself in some form, our main duo is determined to not give up hope quite yet. To be fair, this is more or less the plot that the trailer showed off.


On paper, this is exactly as advertised. "One of Them Days" evolves itself past its linear concept, surprisingly enough, thanks to sharp comedic timing and smarter banter than you might be led to believe. Yes, these two talk like most women of their ilk do, with plenty of cursing towards one another. Yet they feel naturally real as characters. Motivations and personalities are clearly defined and outlined. Palmer is trying to be responsible and reliable, while SZA stays true to what she stands for regardless of the consequences.


As any good ensemble cast should, every person our leads interact with has their moment in the spotlight. This ranges from the rival girlfriend (Scott) getting even with SZA for publically humiliating her to a new white woman (Maude Apatow) landing the best apartment in their complex. A running gag about their place falling apart, and yet Apatow's being so neat is well executed. Another great gag takes place at a drive-thru, specifically the 2nd go around with a different character having the same thing happen, but with a new result.


Anyone who knows me well knows how much I dislike the meltdown at the end of a second act. This film has that trope as well, but to be fair, it could've been much worse. It's resolved as quickly as it's forgotten. It's a formulaic story at its core, enhanced by the interactions the cast members have with each other and the scenarios they contend with. Yes, you still get the dumb scene with SZA getting electrified by a power line trying to retrieve rare shoes. Some slapstick is obvious, such as their apartment crumbling apart.


On the whole though, "One of Them Days" is unquestionably better than what the advertising made it out to be. Even when these two disagree with each other in their approach to choice scenarios, there's this loyalty and sisterhood they share that's legitimately respectable. This film didn't need to reinvent the wheel as much as it needed to succeed at what it was intended to deliver: a slice of life to those who have to hustle. It's rare for a film of this kind to defy the odds stacked against it, but "One of Them Days" is one such exception.


Final Verdict: 7.5/10

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