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SZA and Keke Palmer Break Barriers With One of Them Days

A movie screen shows SZA and Keke Palmer sitting on an orange couch with their belongings around them. Text over them reads, "One of Them Days."

The press screening of One of Them Days. Photo: Sondra Morris

The buddy comedy is one of the most successful story structures in mainstream film—we’re all familiar with theater blockbusters like Friday (1995), Wedding Crashers (2005) , and Superbad (2007). These films gross massive amounts of money and alter culture, injecting silly quotes and sayings (“‘Bye, Felicia!”)  into our everyday conversations. However, despite making up almost half of the world’s population, women rarely star in these films. 

In the last few years, women in comedy have made huge strides, proving that female-led buddy comedies can be hilarious and financially successful. Slowly, they’ve also pushed for more diversity in mainstream comedy: Bridesmaids (2011) made waves for its woman-led storyline, all four stars of Girls Trip (2017) are Black women, and Booksmart (2019) boasted a lesbian main character. Now, One of Them Days (2025), the latest entry in this genre, places two queer, Black actresses at the helm.

SZA and Keke Palmer portray best friends, Alyssa and Dreaux, as they try to pay rent during a wildly unimaginable day. Through crushes and breakups, hilarious outfit changes, the risk of financial ruin, and a particularly disgusting trip to the blood bank, the audience sees the depth of loyalty and love that has built Alyssa and Dreaux’s long-standing friendship.

While both characters are embroiled in situationships with men throughout the film, the two joke about marrying one another and Dreaux makes a number of comments that hint at a queer identity. I could easily see either character as easily with a woman as I can the men they are paired with. However, the lack of overt queerness in the film didn’t bother me, as focus on the film isn’t on romantic relationships.

One of Them Days is filled with absolutely absurd situations that manage to paint a moving and surprisingly relatable picture of friendship. Alyssa and Dreaux are the very definition of ride or die, wanting nothing but success for one another. I couldn’t help but remember hijinks and fights with my own friends as Alyssa and Dreaux’s story played out on screen. Anyone with a best friend can relate to their bond.

What makes One of Them Days even more special is its setting in Los Angeles and celebration of Black culture. While the film is certainly enjoyable to non-Black viewers (my wife enjoyed it, too!) and those who’ve never called LA home, seeing honest depictions of Black communities and financially-tapped folks just trying to get by in Los Angeles felt healing. There’s even a running joke about the scourge of gentrification. 

As a Black lesbian, it’s rare to see mainstream depictions of women in this intersection that feel safe and create joy. Seeing two queer, Black actresses portray best friends who stick together through thick and thin, while also being freaking hilarious, is still kind of radical. I could watch Palmer and SZA take their characters through One of Them Days forever.

 

One of Them Days was released in U.S. theaters on January 17, 2025.

 

 

 

Sondra Rose Marie
Sondra Rose Marie
Sondra Rose Marie Morris (she/her) is a memoirist, journalist, and entrepreneur. Her words covering mental health, racism, death, and sexuality can be found in ZORA, Human Parts, Dope Cause We Said, The Q26, and on Medium. As of 2024, Sondra is the owner and Editor in Chief for Tagg Magazine. Follow her adventures on Instagram @SondraWritesStuff or Twitter @sondrarosemarie.