One Of Them Days (15) |Close-Up Film Review
Dir: Lawrence Lamont, US, 2025, 97 min
Cast: Keke Palmer, SZA, Vanessa Bell, Calloway
Review by Matthew Morlai Kamara
What unfolds is a day of madcap schemes – think pawn shop antics, crashed parties, and a feud with their gloriously petty landlord (Vanessa Bell Calloway) – all set to a bass-thumping soundtrack of hip-hop and R&B classics.
Channelling the spirit of House Party and Friday, Lamont crafts a world where neon windbreakers, mixtape culture, and dial-up internet reign.
Palmer shines as the quick-witted Dreux, balancing sarcastic zingers with moments of vulnerability, while SZA’s acting debut as the free-spirited Alyssa is a revelation – a masterclass in comedic timing and chaotic optimism. Their chemistry drives the film, whether they’re debating conspiracy theories with a nosy neighbour or dodging a landlord armed with eviction notices and ’90s-grade sass.
The film’s genius lies in its balance of nostalgia and originality. Retro details (Tupac posters, chunky sneakers) never overshadow the story’s emotional core: two underdogs fighting to keep their home – and their bond – intact.
Packed with slapstick gags, sly pop culture nods, and a soundtrack begging for a Spotify playlist, One of Them Days isn’t just a comedy, it’s a time machine.
