A Wild Ride with Heart: “One of Them Days” Review

Best friends (and roommates) Dreux and Alyssa are having a rough day.

And it’s only 8 a.m.

After discovering that Alyssa’s boyfriend blew their rent money, the women must race against the clock to secure $1,500 before their merciless landlord evicts them. To make matters worse, Dreux’s interview for her dream job is just hours away, and as the day spirals out of control, it becomes increasingly unlikely that she’ll arrive in one piece.

Starring Keke Palmer and SZA, One of Them Days is a silly buddy comedy that takes you on a wild ride. Just when it seems like Dreux and Alyssa are about to catch a break, life hits them with another setback. From dealing with shady loan sharks to accidentally getting involved in gang activity, the series of unfortunate events feels relentless and leads to genuinely funny moments and a sense of escalating chaos that maintains high energy throughout the film.

Keke Palmer’s performance as Dreux steals the show, shining in both the dramatic and comedic moments. Her heartfelt portrayal instantly draws audiences in and makes Dreux easy to root for. As we watch the character navigate life in her rundown apartment, deal with a ruthless landlord looking to gentrify, and clean up after Alyssa’s freeloading boyfriend, we can’t help but feel for her. When it’s revealed that she has an interview later that day to become the franchise manager for her restaurant, the stakes skyrocket. Suddenly, the mission to scrape together $1,500 isn’t just about avoiding eviction—it’s about securing a future. Palmer balances Dreux’s growing desperation with moments of humor and warmth, making her character feel authentic and layered.

At the heart of One of Them Days is the bond between Dreux and Alyssa. Though they’re opposites and often get under each other’s skin, their love for each other is undeniable and drives everything they do. Palmer and SZA effortlessly bring this chemistry to life, making their friendship feel authentic and deep. Dreux is practical and driven, while Alyssa is more carefree and impulsive—a combination that leads to both hilarious and tense moments. Their dynamic feels genuine, and it’s easy to believe they’ve been through years of ups and downs together.

However, I wish the writers had given Dreux more flaws. When everything falls apart, and the girls start attacking each other, it feels like a missed opportunity to show how both women contributed to the chaos. Since most of the trouble stems from Alyssa’s mistakes— including her choice to trust her irresponsible boyfriend with their rent money—it’s hard to see her side. If some of the unfortunate events had been entirely Dreux’s fault, the fight would have felt more balanced and nuanced, making it harder for the audience to immediately side with Dreux. 

Adding this layer of complexity would have made their conflict more compelling and emotionally charged. It would have also deepened Dreux’s character, showing that even someone as hardworking and responsible as her can make serious mistakes under pressure.

While not a “must-see,” One of Them Days is a decent pick if you’re looking for something light and funny to watch with friends. While the comedy feels over-the-top or corny at times, the film is still entertaining and interesting enough to draw audiences’ attention and keep them invested. 

The chemistry between Keke Palmer and SZA adds warmth and authenticity to the story, making the characters’ friendship feel believable and heartfelt. The fast-paced plot and series of escalating mishaps keep the energy high, even when the humor doesn’t always land perfectly. 

Ultimately, the film succeeds because it balances its chaotic humor with genuine emotional stakes—you care about Dreux and Alyssa and want to see them come out on top. It’s not the kind of movie that will stick with you long after the credits roll, but it’s a fun, easy watch that delivers some good laughs and heartfelt moments along the way.