Almost a year after its release, I watched one of the funniest buddy comedies of 2025, and I’m ashamed to say it took me this long.

Issa Rae’s One of Them Days, distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing, hit theaters on January 17, 2025, and I just watched it on Netflix a few days ago. Although I saw clips and images of the film circulating on social media, I didn’t really pay attention to its plot.

All I knew was that it was produced by Issa Rae and starring Grammy award-winning musician SZA and actress Keke “always keep a job” Palmer. That should’ve been enough for me to go to the theaters and watch it, but I completely forgot.

Two roommates. One missing rent payment.

Palmer plays Dreux Jones (pronounced Drew), a waitress who wants more out of life, while her roommate and friend, Alyssa Brown (SZA), is an aspiring artist with a “go with the flow” vibe. From the beginning of the movie, I saw that Dreux was much more serious about living a better life, which is why she was interviewing for a manager position at her job.

Meanwhile, Alyssa had talent but focused too much on her boyfriend, Keyshawn, who lived with the women but didn’t contribute to any of the expenses. Their landlord, Uche, gives them until 6:00 p.m. to give him the rent, which they had, but Alyssa gave it to her boyfriend, who used it to kickstart his t-shirt business.

So the entire plot is the duo trying to figure out how to get their rent money to Uche before he evicts them, all while Dreux prepares for her interview. Of course, other hilarious things happen in the process.

SZA and Keke Palmer’s chemistry made me feel like I was watching two real best friends. I found myself laughing harder than I expected throughout, and I hope the sequel is even better!

One of Them Days has a ’90s feel that reminds me of a popular comedy from the decade

If you haven’t seen Ice Cube’s Friday, please do yourself a favor and watch the trailer. I’ve seen it many times throughout my life, and honestly, I know every word and scene by heart. One of Them Days reminds me of Friday because they’re both buddy comedies starring two Black actors on a one-day mission to pay off a debt.

Ice Cube is Craig, the laid-back friend of Smokey (Chris Tucker) who got fired on his day off. Smokey is outgoing and takes nothing seriously, so he gets himself into some mess when he owes Big Worm money. The movie shows both friends trying to figure out how to get the money, while dealing with a neighborhood bully, Deebo, all in one day.

Photo credit: Sony Pictures Releasing