Keke Palmer and SZA's 'One of Them Days' Hits the Mark for Buddy Comedy Fans

Palmer Reflects on the Tradition of Hilarious Black Comedies with Important Social Messages

Keke Palmer, a multitalented actor and entertainer, and SZA, the Grammy-winning artist, have taken audiences by storm with their new film One of Them Days. Following their memorable 2022 appearance together on Saturday Night Live, the duo has now captured the spotlight again, with their comedy surpassing expectations to become the top comedy film in the country during the four-day MLK holiday weekend. It came in second only to Disney's Mufasa, the latest entry in the Lion King franchise.

Invoking comparisons to the iconic 1995 buddy comedy Friday, One of Them Days follows the story of two roommates and best friends — Palmer’s character Dreux, the responsible one, and SZA’s free-spirited Alyssa. The two must scramble to come up with their rent money or risk being evicted with all their belongings.

Palmer, who produced the film alongside Issa Rae, shared with NBC News that the project felt deeply familiar. "It reminded me of the kinds of films I watched growing up, about friendship and two girls navigating life in an L.A. neighborhood, dealing with the struggle of making ends meet while also finding joy in the chaos," she said. Palmer pointed out that many films in this genre typically focus on male friendships, and she relished the opportunity to shift the focus to women.

The movie also serves as a tribute to classic Black comedies like Let’s Do It Again with Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby, and Bad Boys starring Martin Lawrence and Will Smith. Palmer noted that taking on both acting and producing roles in the film stretched her creatively. Having last appeared on screen in Jordan Peele’s Nope, Palmer explained that managing her multiple responsibilities while ensuring the movie’s message was delivered effectively was a valuable lesson in collaboration.

Directed by Lawrence Lamont, One of Them Days is much more than just a comedy. While featuring a talented ensemble cast, including comedians like Katt Williams, Janelle James, Lil Rel Howery, and Gabrielle Dennis, the film also offers sharp social commentary. As Issa Rae, known for Insecure, put it, the film reflects today’s hustle culture and the struggles of making ends meet in a difficult economy. “It’s a reflection of how hard it is to survive, and also a way to laugh at the pain,” she said.

Palmer noted that Friday — one of the film's inspirations — is often remembered for its humor, but it also addressed important issues, including gun violence. “At the core of Friday, it was about real messages,” Palmer pointed out, adding, “This movie takes a similar approach. We’re showing the challenges of poverty, gentrification, student loans, and systemic issues, but we’re using humor to open up those conversations.”

One of Them Days also taps into a rich tradition of Black cinema, drawing on the influence of Blaxploitation films. Palmer explained that the music and tone of the film play with satire while addressing contemporary issues such as racial injustice, gentrification, and predatory lending.

At its heart, One of Them Days balances humor with critical social reflection, offering a poignant look at the challenges many face today while inspiring hope and understanding. Palmer believes the film’s blend of comedy and meaningful themes resonates deeply with audiences, particularly those facing the pressures of modern life.