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SZA Makes Film Debut in Netflix Buddy Comedy 'One of Them Days'

The R&B star teams with Keke Palmer in a Los Angeles rent-day race produced by Issa Rae.

TechNewsReel Newsroom · July 26, 2026

Netflix has released "One of Them Days," a 2025 buddy comedy marking the feature film debut of R&B superstar SZA alongside seasoned actress Keke Palmer.

The film follows best friends and roommates Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA), who discover that Alyssa's boyfriend has spent their rent money. The pair must race across Los Angeles to recover the funds and avoid eviction.

First-Time Filmmakers Behind the Camera

The film represents debuts on multiple fronts. Director Lawrence Lamont and writer Syreeta Singleton both make their feature film debuts with the project, joining SZA in the first-time filmmaker category.

Issa Rae serves as producer on the film, which was released by TriStar Pictures before landing on Netflix.

Cultural Significance

The pairing carries notable cultural weight. SZA ranks among the most influential contemporary R&B artists, and her transition to acting generates considerable interest. Palmer brings established comedic credentials to the partnership.

The film expands representation of Black female-led buddy comedies on a global streaming platform. The genre has deep roots in cinema history, though stories centering on Black women's friendships remain underrepresented in mainstream releases.

What to Expect

Viewers can expect the chemistry between Palmer and SZA to drive the narrative. The buddy comedy format relies heavily on the dynamic between its leads, and the casting pairs Palmer's comedic experience with SZA's musical stardom.

The Los Angeles setting provides a backdrop for the cross-city chase. The geography of the city becomes a character itself as the duo navigates neighborhoods in their quest to secure the money.

The film's release gives audiences a chance to see whether SZA's artistic talents extend to acting. For Palmer, it represents another entry in a diverse filmography that spans dramatic and comedic roles.

"One of Them Days" is now streaming on Netflix.

Sources

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