I just finished watching this movie the other day and let me tell you, this movie had me laughing out of my seat! It showcases the themes of friendship, class struggles, and representation while also laughing at all the things us, every-day people, deal with; rent money, boyfriends who are bums, and evil landlords.
I give this movie a 4/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and I think it’s definitely worth the watch!
The story follows Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), who are apartment mates and besties trying not to get evicted when Alyssa’s boyfriend robs them of their rent money. The dynamic duo run against the clock to find a way to stay in their overpriced run-down apartment.
This movie has all the nostalgia of a funny Tyler Perry Madea movie without the blatant minstrel-show-esque flavor. Director Issa Rae really shows authenticity through these characters. Oh my lord, the cameos were the special icing on the cake as well; from Kat Williams, to Euphoria star Maude Apatow, to Tiktok star Joshua David Neal.
There are so many scenes that I think almost every Black girl in America has dealt with at one point and time. From the hair braider overbooking you and not finishing the hair, to seeing the evil credit union charge you an insane interest rate, to having a white neighbor who is oblivious to the struggles of the entire community. The movie discusses this in such a fun and tasteful way you can’t help but laugh.
BERNICEE!!!!! If you’ve watched the movie you know what I mean. I have met many a Bernice in my high school and middle school experiences and let me tell you right now that Aziza Scott acted the hell out of her role. I was terrified of her (more so than the actual Gang leader we meet later on in the film) and it brought me back all the way to middle-school at times. She was a star in this film and I found her character the most funny out of them all.
At the end of the movie we see how important representation is in the workplace. As Dreux is going in for a job interview to work in business management and marketing, we see that one of her interviewers is a fellow black woman who grew up in the same neighborhood that Dreux and her friend are fighting to stay in. Its this fact that helps her get hired after a turn of events interrupts her interview.
Despite the fact that, Dreux is extremely qualified for the position she’s applying for there was a high possibility she wouldn’t have been hired due to factors that were actually out of her control and those factors were tied to her living situation and if you are aware of the extreme gentrification in Los Angeles you would know that, housing was out of her control as well.
I believe the film touches lightly on this topic as a way of joy and celebration of our lives and circumstances and the possibility of success, instead of displaying struggle and suffering. Black joy is a form of resistance and I think this film truly represents that. The clothes, the hair, the makeup, the Doechii soundrack, the set, everything was perfect. As a Black girl from California I applaud Issa Rae for representing us in a way that brings happiness and life to our experiences.
Some parts of the film were a bit over the top (obviously for dramatic effect, if you are a fan of the Hangover you will understand what I mean), but that’s what you pay for in a comedy movie.
Overall, without spoiling anymore of the movie, give it a watch and let me know what you think!
What were your favorite scenes? If you watched One of Them Days, what did you think, likes/dislikes?
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ziyah reads and writes! 
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