Hustle and Heart: The Relatable Charm of Lawrence Lamont's "One of Them Days"

Lawrence Lamont’s Netflix film “One of Them Days,” a buddy comedy starring Keke Palmer and SZA, delivers a vibrant and often hilarious take on the everyday struggles of two best friends. Far from a mere escapist fantasy, the movie grounds its comedic antics in a relatable, high-stakes premise: two young women scrambling against the clock to pay their rent and avoid eviction. This compelling blend of humor and heartfelt urgency makes “One of Them Days” a refreshing addition to the comedy genre, resonating with audiences who understand the modern-day anxieties of financial precarity.

The Magnetic Chemistry of Dreux and Alyssa

At its core, “One of Them Days” thrives on the magnetic chemistry between its two leads, Keke Palmer as the pragmatic Dreux and SZA in her charming film debut as the free-spirited Alyssa. Their dynamic forms the backbone of the narrative, portraying a friendship that is both deeply supportive and playfully contentious. When Alyssa’s slacker boyfriend squanders their rent money on a misguided entrepreneurial venture, the clock starts ticking, forcing the duo into a series of increasingly outlandish schemes to secure the funds. From desperate attempts to donate blood to navigating shady loan sharks and impromptu art sales, their journey is a masterclass in comedic timing and physical comedy, often culminating in chaotic yet endearing scenarios.

Beyond the Laughter: Themes of Resilience and Community

Beyond the laughter, the film subtly touches upon themes of resilience and the often-unseen struggles faced by many in urban environments. Set in a Los Angeles neighborhood facing the onset of gentrification, “One of Them Days” offers glimpses into a community that, despite its challenges, fosters strong bonds and a unique sense of humor. The various characters they encounter, from a no-nonsense landlord to a colorful array of neighborhood figures, add layers to the narrative, providing both obstacles and unexpected moments of solidarity. This backdrop elevates the film beyond a simple “find the money” plot, imbuing it with a social consciousness that resonates without ever becoming preachy.

A Fresh Take on the Buddy Comedy Genre

Moreover, “One of Them Days” pays homage to classic buddy comedies, particularly drawing comparisons to the beloved “Friday.” Like its predecessors, it embraces a day-in-the-life structure, where a single, seemingly insurmountable problem spirals into a cascade of misadventures. However, Lamont, alongside writer Syreeta Singleton, injects a fresh, contemporary sensibility, particularly through the lens of young Black women navigating modern urban life. The film’s energy, witty dialogue, and unexpected cameos (including a scene-stealing Katt Williams) contribute to its overall appeal, making it a “feel-good” movie that, despite its characters’ predicaments, leaves the audience with a sense of triumph and the enduring power of friendship.

A Memorable and Relatable Netflix Entry

In conclusion, “One of Them Days” is more than just a comedic romp; it’s a testament to the power of friendship, the ingenuity born from desperation, and the universal experience of facing “one of those days” when everything seems to go wrong. Lawrence Lamont’s direction, coupled with the brilliant performances of Keke Palmer and SZA, creates a film that is both laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely heartwarming, solidifying its place as a memorable and relatable entry in the Netflix comedy landscape.