One of Them Days arrived in theaters in January 2025 and immediately established itself as a critical darling and a commercial powerhouse. On the review aggregator platform Rotten Tomatoes, the film debuted to a staggering 94% approval rating from critics, a figure that has held steady even as the total review count surpassed 100. This score not only cements the film as one of the best-reviewed comedies of the decade but also marks a significant milestone for its lead stars, Keke Palmer and SZA. With an audience score of 89%, it is clear that the movie’s blend of chaotic energy, relatable financial anxiety, and genuine heart has resonated across the board.

The Critical Consensus on Rotten Tomatoes

The "Certified Fresh" status on Rotten Tomatoes is often a hurdle for comedies, a genre that frequently divides critics. However, One of Them Days managed to secure a near-unanimous consensus. According to the platform, the collective voice of critics suggests that the film "dishes out enough laughter and chemistry to spare through Keke Palmer and SZA," effectively making the buddy-comedy genre feel "like magic once again."

Critics have praised the film for its lean 97-minute runtime, which avoids the common pitfall of modern comedies that overstay their welcome. The R-rating is utilized not just for shock value, but to authentically capture the high-stakes, high-stress environment of two friends facing immediate homelessness in Los Angeles.

A New Career High for Keke Palmer

For Keke Palmer, One of Them Days represents a crowning achievement in a career that has spanned over two decades. While Palmer has received critical acclaim for her roles in Hustlers (88%) and Jordan Peele’s Nope (83%), this film officially became her highest-rated project on Rotten Tomatoes at the time of its release.

Her performance as Dreux is a masterclass in comedic timing and physical humor. Palmer brings a frantic yet grounded energy to the role of a woman trying to keep her life from unravelling while simultaneously managing the eccentricities of everyone around her. Critics noted that her experience as a producer on the film likely contributed to the seamless alignment between her performance and the movie's overall tone.

SZA’s Stunning Cinematic Debut

Perhaps the most talked-about aspect of the film’s Rotten Tomatoes success is SZA’s performance as Alyssa. Transitioning from a Grammy-winning music career to a leading film role is a path fraught with skepticism, yet SZA silenced detractors with a performance that critics described as "naturally charismatic" and "unexpectedly vulnerable."

In her debut outing, SZA avoids the "stiff" delivery often seen in musicians-turned-actors. Instead, she provides the perfect foil to Palmer’s high-octane energy. Their friendship feels lived-in, a crucial element for any buddy comedy to succeed. The Rotten Tomatoes audience reviews frequently highlight SZA’s ability to handle the film's more emotional beats, particularly during the "blood donation" scene and the climactic apartment fire.

Understanding the Plot and Its Cultural Resonance

At its core, One of Them Days is a "race against the clock" narrative. The story follows Dreux and Alyssa, roommates in Baldwin Village, Los Angeles. Their lives are thrown into chaos when they discover that Alyssa’s boyfriend, Keshawn, has spent their $1,500 rent money on a misguided investment in a t-shirt company. With a strict landlord demanding payment by 6:00 PM or facing immediate eviction, the duo embarks on a desperate, hilarious, and increasingly dangerous quest across the city to find the funds.

The Realistic Stakes of Modern Living

While the situations—ranging from stealing Air Jordans off a utility pole to organizing an impromptu art gallery—are heightened for comedic effect, the underlying anxiety is profoundly real. The film touches on themes of credit scores, the predatory nature of payday loans, and the precariousness of the gig economy.

By grounding the comedy in the actual fear of eviction, director Lawrence Lamont and screenwriter Syreeta Singleton have created a film that feels more substantive than the average "slacker" comedy. This depth is one of the primary reasons critics on Rotten Tomatoes have rated it so much higher than contemporary genre peers.

Los Angeles as a Character

The film’s portrayal of Los Angeles is a far cry from the glitz of Hollywood or the beaches of Santa Monica. It focuses on the vibrant, gritty, and often unforgiving reality of Baldwin Village. The setting adds a layer of authenticity to the "One of Them Days" experience. The heat, the traffic, and the specific social dynamics of the neighborhood act as obstacles in Dreux and Alyssa’s path, making their eventual triumph feel earned.

Breaking Down the Records

The impact of One of Them Days on Rotten Tomatoes extends beyond a single high percentage. The film has set several records for its cast and crew, highlighting the talent involved in this production:

  • Lawrence Lamont: In his feature directorial debut, Lamont achieved a score that many veteran directors never reach. His background in music videos is evident in the film’s kinetic pacing and visual flair.
  • Syreeta Singleton: As a first-time feature writer, Singleton’s script was lauded for its sharp dialogue and its ability to balance multiple subplots without losing the central narrative thread.
  • Supporting Cast Highs: Actors like Katt Williams (playing the character Lucky) and Maude Apatow saw some of the highest Rotten Tomatoes scores of their respective careers with this project. For Williams, in particular, it was a significant critical rebound compared to some of his previous theatrical releases.

The Production Powerhouse: Issa Rae and Hoorae Media

Much of the film’s success can be traced back to the production team. Produced by Issa Rae under her Hoorae Media banner, One of Them Days carries the "Issa Rae touch"—a commitment to telling authentic Black stories with humor, style, and a focus on female friendship.

Rae’s involvement ensured that the film had the necessary resources to succeed despite its modest $14 million budget. The production, which took place over 22 days in July 2024, utilized its limited resources effectively, focusing on character-driven comedy rather than expensive set pieces. This efficiency allowed the film to become a "sleeper hit," grossing over $51 million at the box office and ensuring a high return on investment for Sony’s TriStar Pictures.

Why This Movie Matters for the Buddy Comedy Genre

For nearly a decade, the R-rated buddy comedy seemed to be a dying breed in Hollywood, largely replaced by big-budget superhero films and high-concept horror. The last major success in this specific sub-genre was arguably 2017’s Girls Trip.

One of Them Days proves that there is still a massive appetite for character-centric comedies that don't rely on existing IP or massive special effects. Its success on Rotten Tomatoes serves as a signal to studios that audiences are hungry for "mid-budget" films that prioritize script and performance.

Comparisons to Genre Classics

Critics have frequently compared One of Them Days to the 1995 classic Friday. Both films take place over a short period, involve a desperate need for money, and feature a cast of eccentric neighborhood characters. However, One of Them Days updates this formula for the 2020s, focusing on the specific challenges faced by young women and the unique power of female platonic bonds.

The Audience’s Perspective: Why 89%?

While the critics’ 94% score focuses on technical execution and genre revival, the audience’s 89% score is driven by "watchability." User reviews on Rotten Tomatoes emphasize that the film is "infinitely rewatchable" and "hilarious from start to finish."

Common praise from audience members includes:

  • The Chemistry: Users noted that Keke and SZA "felt like real best friends."
  • The Humor: Many reviews mention that the theater was "roaring with laughter," specifically during the scene involving the Air Jordans and the subsequent electrocution.
  • Relatability: Younger viewers expressed appreciation for a film that acknowledged how difficult it is to make rent in a major city.

Technical Execution: Direction, Writing, and Score

The 94% Rotten Tomatoes score is also a testament to the film’s technical polish.

Lawrence Lamont’s Directing Style

Lamont uses a handheld camera style for much of the film to emphasize the "hectic" nature of the day. This creates a sense of urgency that mirrors the protagonists' ticking clock. The color palette of the film is warm and saturated, capturing the sweltering Los Angeles summer in a way that feels tactile.

Syreeta Singleton’s Sharp Script

Singleton, known for her work on Rap Sh!t, brings a specific linguistic rhythm to the film. The "A-plot" (the rent money) is seamlessly woven with "B-plots" like Dreux’s job interview and Alyssa’s budding art career. The dialogue is fast-paced, often requiring multiple viewings to catch every joke and cultural reference.

The Sound of the City

The musical score by Chanda Dancy, combined with a curated soundtrack of contemporary R&B and hip-hop, provides the film's heartbeat. The music isn't just background noise; it punctuates the comedic beats and heightens the tension during the more dramatic moments with King Lolo.

Box Office Performance and Financial Success

On Rotten Tomatoes, a high score often correlates with "legs" at the box office (long-term staying power). One of Them Days opened during the MLK weekend in 2025, a competitive window that included the release of Wolf Man. Despite being projected for a modest opening, the positive "word of mouth" generated by early Rotten Tomatoes scores helped the film over-perform.

The film debuted to $11.8 million over its opening weekend and reached a domestic total of nearly $50 million. With a production budget of only $14 million, One of Them Days is undeniably a commercial success, proving that critical acclaim on Rotten Tomatoes can indeed translate to financial gain.

Where to Watch One of Them Days

Following its successful theatrical run, One of Them Days became available for a wider audience through various platforms. For those looking to see if the 94% Rotten Tomatoes score holds up, here are the primary viewing options:

  • Digital Platforms: The film was released for purchase and rental on digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV on February 11, 2025.
  • Streaming: In a significant deal, the film began streaming on Netflix on March 31, 2025. Its arrival on the platform led to a second wave of social media discourse and a renewed interest in its Rotten Tomatoes standing.
  • Physical Media: A Blu-ray and DVD release occurred on April 1, 2025, including deleted scenes and a "behind-the-scenes" featurette detailing SZA’s preparation for her first role.

Future of the Franchise: Is a Sequel Coming?

Given the overwhelming critical and commercial success, it was no surprise when reports surfaced that a sequel is in early development. While details remain scarce, the high Rotten Tomatoes score for the original provides a strong foundation for a franchise. Fans are eager to see Dreux and Alyssa in a new high-stakes situation, perhaps with a larger budget and an even more ambitious "race against time" plot.

Conclusion: A Modern Comedy Classic

One of Them Days is more than just a successful movie; it is a cultural moment that has redefined the careers of its stars and revitalized a stagnant genre. Its 94% Rotten Tomatoes score is a well-deserved recognition of the craft, heart, and humor that went into its production. Whether you are a fan of Keke Palmer’s long-standing career, SZA’s musical artistry, or simply a well-crafted comedy, this film stands as a testament to the power of great storytelling and genuine chemistry.

As the film continues to find new audiences on streaming platforms, its reputation as a "must-watch" only grows. It has successfully navigated the difficult path of satisfying both picky critics and general audiences, making it a rare gem in the 2025 cinematic landscape.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about One of Them Days

What is the Rotten Tomatoes score for One of Them Days?

As of mid-2025, One of Them Days holds a 94% critic score and an 89% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

Is One of Them Days suitable for all ages?

No, the film is rated R for pervasive language throughout, brief drug use, and sexual material. It is intended for mature audiences.

Is this SZA's first movie?

Yes, One of Them Days marks SZA's feature film acting debut. She received significant praise for her performance as Alyssa.

Why is the movie called One of Them Days?

The title refers to the idiom "one of those days," describing a day where everything that can go wrong, does go wrong. The film follows a single, chaotic 24-hour period in the lives of the protagonists.

Who directed One of Them Days?

The film was directed by Lawrence Lamont in his feature film directorial debut.

Is there a post-credits scene in One of Them Days?

While there is no traditional "Marvel-style" post-credits scene, there are mid-credits bloopers and outtakes that highlight the chemistry between Keke Palmer and SZA.

Where can I stream One of Them Days?

As of March 31, 2025, the film is available to stream on Netflix in the United States. It is also available for purchase on digital platforms.