The Chaos, The Comedy, The Controversy: 7 Shocking Secrets Behind Keke Palmer And SZA's 'One Of Them Days' Movie

The phrase "One of Them Days" has found a fresh, explosive new meaning in the current cultural zeitgeist, now being irrevocably linked to one of the most talked-about films of 2025: the buddy comedy starring Keke Palmer and SZA. Released to near-universal critical acclaim, this R-rated cinematic venture has been hailed as a much-needed shot in the arm for the comedy genre, celebrated for its authentic Black female representation and hilarious, chaotic energy. As of December 18, 2025, the film is not just a critical darling but is also at the center of a high-profile legal battle, making its journey from script to screen a story as wild as the movie itself.

This article dives deep into the phenomenon of One of Them Days, exploring the film's groundbreaking themes, the shocking controversy surrounding its producer, and the key figures who brought this "Black Girl Magic" to the big screen. It’s a multi-layered cultural moment that extends far beyond a simple movie release, touching on everything from Hollywood's representation issues to the ethics of script development.

The Architects of Chaos: Key Biographies and Film Profile

The film's success is rooted in the powerful synergy of its primary stars and the visionary creative team. Here is a look at the essential figures who defined the One of Them Days experience.

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• Keke Palmer (Actress - Plays Dreux): Born Lauren Keyana Palmer on August 26, 1993, Keke Palmer is a celebrated actress, singer, and television personality. Her career spans film (Nope, Hustlers), television (Scream Queens), and hosting (GMA3: What You Need to Know). Known for her vibrant, infectious energy and comedic timing, her casting as Dreux, one half of the chaotic duo, was a major coup for the film.
• SZA (Actress - Plays Alyssa): Born Solána Imani Rowe on November 8, 1989, SZA is a Grammy-winning R&B singer-songwriter, best known for her critically acclaimed albums like Ctrl and SOS. One of Them Days marks a significant step in her acting career, showcasing her comedic talents alongside Palmer as Alyssa. Her involvement brought massive music-industry buzz to the project.
• Issa Rae (Producer): Born Jo-Issa Rae Diop on January 12, 1985, Issa Rae is a powerhouse in modern Black Hollywood. She is the creator and star of the HBO series Insecure and the co-creator of Rap Sh!t. Through her production company, she has championed diverse narratives. Her role as a producer on One of Them Days lent significant weight and credibility to the project, though her involvement is now complicated by the ongoing legal issues.
• Lawrence Lamont (Director): A rising director known for his work in music videos and his keen eye for authentic, fast-paced storytelling. Lamont’s direction is credited with giving the film its kinetic energy and maintaining the perfect balance between high-stakes comedy and emotional grounding.
• Syreeta Singleton (Writer): A talented writer known for her work on popular shows like Insecure and Rap Sh!t. Singleton is the credited screenwriter for One of Them Days, and her script is praised for its sharp dialogue and realistic portrayal of modern female friendship and financial precarity in a rapidly gentrifying city.

Film Profile: One of Them Days (2025)

• Title: One of Them Days
• Release Year: 2025
• Genre: Buddy Comedy, Crime Comedy
• Rating: R (for language throughout, sexual material, and brief drug use)
• Distributor: Sony Pictures (initially), with a major streaming release expected on Netflix
• Run Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
• Plot Summary: The story follows Dreux (Keke Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), two best friends and roommates in a race against the clock to retrieve their stolen rent money to avoid immediate eviction. Their chaotic journey takes them through a series of increasingly absurd and high-stakes scenarios across their rapidly changing neighborhood.

The Stolen Rent, The Clock, and The Cultural Impact

The plot of One of Them Days is deceptively simple: two friends need money, fast. However, it's the execution and the underlying themes that have cemented its place as a cultural touchstone. Reviewers have lauded the film as the first great comedy of 2025, praising its originality and the palpable chemistry between Keke Palmer and SZA.

The film is more than just a laugh riot; it's a commentary. It uses the backdrop of a frantic chase to explore serious, contemporary issues facing young Black Americans. The struggle to "scrape together enough money" while living in a neighborhood facing cultural tensions and the threat of gentrification provides a layer of social realism that elevates the comedy. Many critics have drawn parallels to classic buddy comedies like Friday and a "bolder and blacker version of Thelma and Louise," highlighting its significance in the genre.

The dynamic between Dreux and Alyssa is the heart of the movie. Palmer’s high-octane performance as Dreux, a "chaos magnet," perfectly complements SZA’s more grounded, though equally stressed, portrayal of Alyssa. Their on-screen friendship is described as authentic "Black Girl Magic," offering a refreshing, nuanced, and hilarious look at the bonds between Black women that has often been overlooked in mainstream Hollywood.

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The Shadow of Plagiarism: Issa Rae's Legal Battle

Despite the film's glowing reviews and box office success, a significant cloud hangs over the project, specifically targeting producer Issa Rae’s company. This controversy has become a major talking point, adding a layer of drama that rivals the film's on-screen antics.

The Lawsuit Details:

Issa Rae is facing a high-profile plagiarism lawsuit filed by three Los Angeles screenwriters. The plaintiffs allege that One of Them Days is a direct rip-off of a script they had previously submitted to Rae's company in 2020. They claim their original script was circulated within the company, and the resulting film, with its similar premise of two roommates desperately trying to recover money, is the result of that circulation.

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This legal challenge has sparked a broader conversation within the industry about protecting intellectual property and the ongoing critique of Black art. While Rae's company has not publicly conceded guilt, the lawsuit forces a difficult examination of the development process in Hollywood, particularly when dealing with submissions from unrepresented or less-established writers. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have long-lasting implications for the film's legacy and for Issa Rae’s reputation as a champion of new voices.

Beyond the Film: The Original "One of Them Days"

While the 2025 film dominates current discussions, the phrase "One of Them Days" holds a nostalgic significance for many R&B fans, rooted in the 1990s music scene. This earlier context is vital for a complete understanding of the phrase's topical authority.

Monica's 1995 Hit:

The phrase was famously popularized by R&B singer Monica with her 1995 single, "Don't Take It Personal (Just One Of Them Days)." The song, which was a massive hit and marked a significant point in Monica's career, captures the universal feeling of needing space and solitude. The lyrics articulate a need for personal time: "It's just one of them days when I wanna be all alone." The R&B classic is a testament to the enduring, relatable meaning of the phrase, which speaks to a moment of emotional withdrawal and self-care.

The duality of the phrase—from Monica’s introspective R&B anthem to Keke Palmer and SZA's chaotic, externalized comedy—showcases its versatility. Both works, separated by decades, use "one of them days" to signify a moment of personal crisis, whether internal or external, that requires immediate attention and an unconventional response.