Movies

Why You Can’t Miss ‘One of Them Days’ on Netflix Right Now!

BBG News

People who have substantial wealth may not find humor in stories about individuals struggling financially and managing to make ends meet. If you’re having a tough day because every penny counts, know that many others have gone through the same before you. This is how we got classic works such as George Orwell’s “Down and Out in Paris and London,” Depression-era films like “Gold Diggers of 1933” and “My Man Godfrey,” songs like “Shoppin’ for Clothes” by The Coasters and “King of the Road” by Roger Miller, and now the movie “One of Them Days,” which opened in U.S. theaters on January 17 and has remarkably remained in cinemas for over three months despite Hollywood’s general disinterest in theatrical releases. A film that manages to hold an audience must be doing something right, even if that “something” is just resonating with people in their current financial struggles, such as those facing a shrinking paycheck and ever-increasing expenses in today’s America. If you’re short on cash and can’t go out, you can now watch “One of Them Days” on Netflix.

Keke Palmer and SZA portray Dreux and Alyssa, two friends living in a rundown apartment in Baldwin Village, LA, also known as The Jungles. They lease the place from a greedy landlord, Uche (Rizi Timane), who often extorts rent money from his tenants and evicts them if they’re even a day late. Despite their frequent tardiness, Dreux, a waitress with dreams of managing her own restaurant chain, and Alyssa, an aspiring artist, are close to missing the deadline again. In a twist, Dreux has given Alyssa the responsibility of paying Uche on time, but instead, she tasks her lazy boyfriend Keshawn (Joshua David Neal) with the task. Unfortunately, Uche hasn’t received the funds, and he threatens to evict them if they don’t come up with $1500 by 6 PM that day – right after Dreux’s important job interview following an early-morning shift. Feeling remorseful about the lost rent money, Alyssa vows to help Dreux find a way to gather the necessary amount in just one day, setting off their adventure.

Initially, they locate Keshawn, who not only put his funds into a low-cost T-shirt venture but also started dating Berniece, the toughest girl in the neighborhood, known for her pet snake and short clothing (Aziza Scott). They attempt to secure a loan from a dubious payday lender, yet their poor credit ratings cause them to be flatly denied. When Dreux enquires about the conditions, the receptionist, portrayed by Keyla Monterroso Mejia who masterfully transforms sneers into an art form, points him to a sign in the window stating 1900.5% APR. “I thought that was the year of establishment!” Dreux retorts. Subsequently, they try selling blood, resulting in a gruesome scene. However, there’s a glimmer of hope: Alyssa believes they’ve struck gold when she spots a pair of vintage Air Jordans hanging from power lines, disregarding potential electrocution to retrieve them. She and Dreux sell them swiftly (the cunning buyer is Lil Rel Howery), only to discover later that the shoes belonged to a local gangster named King Lolo (Amin Joseph), who wants not just the money they made from the sneakers, but also an additional fee by 9 PM that day.

Amidst all these unfolding events, Dreux needs to make it to her job interview. Given her impressive qualifications and charming demeanor, she seems destined for success—that is, until the woman who holds the keys to the job (Gabrielle Dennis) witnesses a heated argument between Alyssa and Gabrielle outside the building. It turns out that Dreux is acquainted with this duo. The series of unfortunate events on this particular day casts a shadow over Dreux’s chances, and the mounting disasters seem to strain her friendship with Alyssa.

The film titled “One of Them Days” was brought to life by Issa Rae, with Lawrence Lamont and Syreeta Singleton handling directing and writing duties respectively. These two creatives have worked with Rae in the past on projects such as Insecure and Rap Sh!t. This fast-paced and entertaining flick is full of over-the-top humor at its finest. Following a chaotic incident at the blood bank, characters Dreux and Alyssa are compelled to exchange their soiled garments for discarded clothes from a charity box. As a result, Dreux ends up in an eye-catching neon green stretch jumpsuit, while Alyssa dons a 1980s-inspired faux-silk bomber jacket and track pants set. For the remainder of the movie, they sport these eccentric outfits, making for a hilarious visual gag throughout the film.

In Jordan Peele’s 2022 film Nope, Palmer and SZA make an electrifying duo. Their interactions sparkle, and despite the occasional squabbles between Alyssa and Dreux, the warm, family-like affection between them is palpable. The pair’s playful, witty banter significantly contributes to setting the film’s overall mood, particularly its generous spirit.

One of the film’s funniest moments involves a white girl Instagram influencer, Bethany (Maude Apatow), who moves into the complex with her flashy, stereotypical white-girl belongings, leaving the other Black residents in disbelief. Uche tries to win her over with homemade cookies, while the other tenants, whom he’d evict without hesitation, express their frustration through eye rolls so intense you can almost hear them grating inside their heads. Bethany serves as a clear symbol of gentrification; it’s understandable why Uche’s other tenants might resent her. However, the film shows Bethany with a touch of affection, offering a subtle and sympathetic portrayal.

The movie One of Them Days concludes with Alyssa and Dreux not only managing to pay their rent but even having enough money left for a more comfortable and less stressful future. This film manages to uplift the audience, making us feel optimistic about life’s challenges. As misery often does, it finds solace in company, but it seems to love comedy even more.

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2025-04-04 19:06

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