One of Them Days, the highly anticipated buddy comedy starring Keke Palmer and SZA, not only took the box office by storm but also made history over the weekend. The film, which blends Hollywood and music royalty, rocketed to the No. 1 spot among comedies and secured the No. 2 overall spot at the box office, just behind Mufasa. With a stellar opening that earned over $14 million in its first four days, the film showcases the growing influence of Black women in Hollywood and entertainment.
A Record-Breaking Weekend for “One of Them Days”
Upon its release on January 17, One of Them Days drew a great deal of attention, both online and in theaters. The film, which tells the story of two roommates, Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), desperately trying to pay their rent by the end of the day, saw significant box office success. The movie grossed over $14 million in just a few days, breaking even with its production budget of $14.5 million and making it the No. 1 comedy in the country.
Despite the cancellation of the Los Angeles premiere due to wildfires, audiences flocked to see the film, boosted by the social media presence of both Palmer and SZA. One of Them Days also had a reach of 116.6 million people on social media before its release, further fueling its success.
A Star-Studded Collaboration of Talent
The film stands out not only for its box office success but also for its groundbreaking collaboration of talent. Featuring SZA in her first major acting role, One of Them Days brings together two powerhouse women in entertainment. Palmer, a seasoned actress and producer, joins forces with SZA, whose presence in the music industry has already earned her a loyal following.
Both women have achieved massive online fame for their wit and charisma, with Palmer known for her quick humor and SZA for her effortless cool. This combination of experienced talent and fresh energy has resulted in an on-screen chemistry that critics are praising as one of the film’s most standout features.
Critical Acclaim and Audience Reception
One of Them Days has been lauded by critics for its unique mix of slapstick comedy and heartfelt moments. The New York Times praised the film for its ability to balance humor with sincerity, calling it “a buddy comedy that favors razzing over heart-to-hearts,” but still manages to leave a lasting impression. Critics have particularly highlighted the performances of both Palmer and SZA, with Vulture’s Allison Willmore commenting that Palmer’s comedic timing makes her one of Hollywood’s most underrated stars.
In addition, NPR’s Brittany Luse praised SZA’s warm on-screen presence, surprising many who may not have expected the singer to transition so smoothly into acting. With a Rotten Tomatoes critic score of 96%, the film is also being hailed for its ability to tackle deeper social issues, such as the struggles of living paycheck to paycheck and the looming threat of gentrification, all while delivering laughs.
The Film’s Cultural Impact
Beyond its comedic value, One of Them Days also serves as an important cultural moment for Black women in entertainment. It is the first Black female-led comedy to hit theaters since Girls Trip in 2017, marking a major milestone for Black women in Hollywood. The film represents not only a celebration of Black excellence but also a much-needed shift in the types of stories being told in mainstream cinema.
