Utilizing the common comedy trope of a race against the clock, sprinkled with enemies and following a nonstop sequence of unfortunate twists, “One of Them Days,” released on Jan. 17, follows a predictable yet delightful storyline.
The movie follows best friends and roommates, Dreux, played by Keke Palmer, and Alyssa, played by SZA, as they rush to amass enough money for rent before a strict deadline set by their landlord. As the day progresses, their methods of making cash worsen their problems, until they are faced with the possibility of death unless they pay a gang leader five thousand dollars.
The film begins by showcasing Dreux’s busy life at the diner before she is picked up by a distracted and forgetful Alyssa. This scene perfectly sets up the dynamic for the rest of the movie, demonstrating the key traits of each character and their relationship with each other.
While the actors do a great job portraying their character traits, the script does not allow each character to develop or grow complex personalities. The actors being forced into certain artificial behavioral patterns ruined the authenticity of the movie. Each character conformed to generalized personality traits, giving me only a shallow understanding of their motivations.
While the characters may lack depth in aspects like personality, the movie compensates by addressing plenty of social realities. Highlighting eviction, gangs, juvenile detention and a paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle, the movie showcases the many hardships individuals have to endure living in America.
The story navigates its way back to a well-trodden path when the two friends have a long-awaited fight, followed by an even more predictable reconciliation.
While sweet, the argument feels hollow because of its faulty points and rushed resolution, forcing an end to the conflict that did not resolve their earlier issues. I could not relate to the characters and their experiences, as it did not properly portray the importance of the obstacles within friendships, alongside the difficulties in surpassing them.
Overall, the film is a fun flick that has a prominent comedic aspect, and yet it still subtly highlights realities that deserve more attention in America. Although it lacks realism and contains predictable plots, if you are looking for a fun way to pass one of them days, this movie delivers.
