Film Review: One of Them Days
Palm trees, pain, and the poetry of survival — Keke Palmer, SZA, and Katt Williams shine in this soulful, sunlit sisterhood story.
Los Angeles has long been a character in cinema — sometimes glittering, sometimes gritty — but rarely has it felt as intimate and lived-in as it does in One of Them Days. A Netflix original, the film is directed with a warm, kinetic energy and anchored by three unforgettable performances. It’s a fresh, feminine take on the modern-day hustle. And in a world full of reboots, it’s refreshing to find a story that feels both familiar and new.
Keke Palmer, ever the generational talent, commands the screen as Raina, a no-nonsense diner waitress grinding through the everyday with grace and grit. She’s a woman you recognize instantly — she’s your cousin, your homegirl, your mirror. SZA, in her long-anticipated acting debut, surprises with a raw and unfiltered portrayal of Lyric, a gifted but scattered artist floating between gigs, galleries, and emotional ghosts. Together, they anchor the film with a chemistry that’s magnetic, messy, and utterly believable.
Faced with an eviction notice and a fast-ticking clock, Raina and Lyric set off on a chaotic three-day journey to secure the money they need to keep a roof over their heads. They have until 6 p.m. on the first to come up with rent, but just when they think they’ve made it, they run into deeper trouble with a local street hustler — now owing $5,000 more by 10 p.m.What unfolds is a wild, at times hilarious, at times heartbreaking journey through LA’s backstreets and late-night corners.
Enter Katt Williams as Lucky, a streetwise, unpredictable character who provides both comic relief and unexpected insight. First seen outside a payday loan office, Lucky warns the girls about the risks of fast cash with the charisma only Katt Williams can bring. His presence adds levity and unexpected wisdom, bridging the line between street hustle and spiritual guide.
Much like Friday redefined hood comedy for a generation, One of Them Days blends streetwise humor with real emotional stakes. It’s a film about friendship, sisterhood, and the quiet resilience of Black women navigating a world that constantly tests them. The chemistry between Palmer and SZA is electric — their banter, vulnerability, and fierce loyalty form the emotional core of the story.
With a soundtrack that bumps (featuring original tracks from SZA and Keke Palmer), a vibrant visual palette, and a script that balances grit and grace, One of Them Days is both a coming-of-age comedy and a love letter to Black womanhood in the City of Angels.
This isn’t just a bad day — it’s one of them days — and you’re going to laugh, cry, and cheer as these two women turn rock bottom into a launching pad.