What Is One Of Them Days About?
The premise of One Of Them Days in 285 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In a lively corner of Los Angeles known affectionately as “The Jungles,” two roommates share a modest apartment that feels more like a home than a lease. Dreux works the late‑night shift as a warm‑hearted waitress, treating every table as if it were family, while Alyssa pours her energy into a fledgling art career, hoping one day her creations will break through the city’s competitive scene. Their friendship is the kind that thrives on late‑night conversations, shared meals, and an unspoken promise to have each other’s backs no matter what.
The rhythm of their lives is jolted when they discover that Keshawn, Alyssa’s laid‑back boyfriend, has unknowingly blown through the rent money they saved. Suddenly, the ordinary pressures of paying bills turn into a frantic scramble, and the duo must confront the looming threat of eviction that hangs over their shared space. The stakes feel both urgent and absurd, setting the stage for a comedy‑driven race against the clock that tests their ingenuity and loyalty.
Adding to the pressure is their landlord, Uche, whose strict oversight reminds the pair that their time is limited. Yet within this pressure cooker, the humor of daily mishaps and the vibrant culture of their neighborhood provide a backdrop of resilience. The film’s tone balances sharp wit with heartfelt moments, painting a portrait of two women who turn desperation into daring, using every quirky resource the city offers.
At its core, the story celebrates the unbreakable bond between best friends navigating adulthood’s unexpected hurdles. As they juggle looming deadlines, eccentric neighbors, and the ever‑present buzz of LA life, Dreux and Alyssa embody a spirited determination that promises both laughs and a lingering sense of hope—even before the next chapter unfolds.
What Happens in One Of Them Days?
The complete story of One Of Them Days, from the first scene to the last, in 509 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 7 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The story unfolds in a lively restaurant where waitress Dreux (played by Keke Palmer) treats her customers as if they are family, showcasing her warmth and dedication. After her shift, she is picked up by her best friend and roommate, Alyssa (SZA), a struggling artist trying to make a name for herself in the competitive art world. Together, they navigate their lives in a community known as “The Jungles” in Los Angeles, under the strict watch of their landlord, Uche (Rizi Timane). Compounding their difficulties is Alyssa’s lethargic boyfriend, Keshawn (Joshua David Neal), whose financial irresponsibility threatens their stable living situation.
One day, as Dreux prepares for a significant job interview as a franchise manager, she is interrupted by Uche demanding the rent, which they don’t have due to Keshawn’s reckless spending habits. As the clock ticks down to eviction, Dreux and Alyssa find themselves scrambling to gather the necessary funds. Their plight leads them to meet Mama Ruth (Vanessa Bell Calloway) and the flirty local man, Maniac (Patrick Cage), who ultimately catches Dreux’s eye.
After a series of unlucky events, including the discovery of Keshawn’s infidelity, the duo resorts to dangerous measures to raise money. Their adventure takes them to a loan office where they encounter the dismissive Kathy (Keyla Monterroso Mejia), whose lack of empathy only adds to their frustration. Desperate, they attempt to donate blood, leading to a chaotic scene when Dreux’s blood bags are accidentally spilled, leaving them with only pie vouchers.
Things take a turn when they are detoured yet again by a masked thief at Church’s Chicken, witnessed by Maniac. In a kind gesture, he buys them food, which forms the foundation of a budding romance between him and Dreux. However, they soon receive alarming news from Lucky (Katt Williams) that Alyssa is about to take a reckless leap for a pair of retro Air Jordans, putting both their lives in jeopardy.
After numerous highs and lows, including an art show organized with the help of new neighbor Bethany (Maude Apatow), the stakes reach a boiling point with the arrival of local thug King Lolo (Amin Joseph). His demand for double the price of the Jordans threatens their very existence. In a twist of fate, after an explosive confrontation with Lolo, a fire breaks out in their apartment due to Keshawn’s ill-intended romantic gestures.
Just as danger seems unavoidable, and with fight-or-flight instincts kicking in, they are rescued by firefighters led by Maniac. In the aftermath, Lolo faces consequences while Dreux and Alyssa reclaim their independence. They receive a new landlord who promises to rectify past negligence and breathe life back into their apartment.
Finally, in a heartwarming conclusion, the two women look ahead as Alyssa’s artwork begins fetching thousands and Dreux excels in her franchise manager role – a sure testament to their resilience and unbreakable friendship. The ending notes reveal how, despite the trials they faced, their camaraderie remains steadfast, showing that love and friendship can overcome any obstacle. Together, they start on a new chapter with hope for the future.
One Of Them Days Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Dreux at Work” to “Closing Narration”. 11 events name a place, across 9 locations.
- 1
Dreux at Work
The film opens in a bustling restaurant where Dreux, portrayed by Keke Palmer, delights customers with her friendly demeanor, treating them like family. This scene sets the tone for her character as a hardworking woman with dreams of a better future.
Where:Restaurant
- 2
Roommate Dynamics
Dreux returns home, where her best friend and roommate Alyssa, played by SZA, is introduced. Their contrasting aspirations are highlighted, as Dreux aims for a lucrative job while Alyssa struggles as an unrecognized artist.
Where:The Jungles, Los Angeles
- 3
Confrontation with the Landlord
As the month begins, Uche, their strict landlord, demands rent payment. Dreux believes Alyssa has already taken care of it, but tensions rise when they discover that Keshawn, Alyssa's boyfriend, is missing with the rent money.
When:6:00 PM Where:Apartment
- 4
Finding Keshawn's Phone
In hopes of uncovering Keshawn's whereabouts, the ladies find his phone and take it to their hairdresser, Jameel. Through a series of events, they discover Keshawn is cheating, which propels them on a mission to retrieve their lost rent money.
Where:Hairdresser's
- 5
Disastrous Blood Donation
Desperate for money, Dreux and Alyssa decide to donate blood. Unfortunately, the inexperienced nurse Ruby mishandles the situation, leading to a comedic mishap where they leave without any money, only vouchers for food.
Where:Blood Bank
- 6
The Biscuit Bandit
While at Church’s Chicken, Dreux and Alyssa become victims of a masked bandit who steals their food. This encounter introduces Maniac, who later rescues them by covering their meal costs, sparking a potential romance for Dreux.
Where:Church's Chicken
- 7
A Life-Threatening Climb
Alyssa attempts to retrieve a pair of coveted retro Air Jordans by climbing a power line. This reckless stunt leads to a near-tragic fall, but the sisters manage to escape from the clutches of disaster yet again.
- 8
Selling the Jordans
After cleaning up the Jordans they salvaged from the reckless climb, the ladies meet a buyer in a park. By manipulating the buyer's emotions, they are able to secure more money than initially expected, giving them hope for rent.
Where:Park
- 9
Job Interview Goes Awry
While Dreux goes for a job interview, Alyssa's connection to Keshawn leads to a confrontation with Berniece. The unexpected chaos during the interview results in humiliation for both ladies, jeopardizing Dreux's opportunity.
Where:Job Interview Location
- 10
King Lolo's Ultimatum
Fearing for their lives, the duo learns they need to repay King Lolo for the Jordans by a strict deadline. The dire situation leads to increased tensions between the best friends as the threat of violence looms.
Show the other 5 events of One Of Them Days Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Pop-Up Art Show
With time running out, the ladies organize a pop-up art show with the help of their new neighbor Bethany. This last-ditch effort is fueled by hope and the ability to showcase Alyssa's artwork to potentially affluent buyers.
When:Just before 10:00 PM Where:Art Show Venue
- 12
Confrontation with Lolo
As the art show progresses, Lolo arrives to collect what's owed, instilling panic among attendees. A tense showdown occurs before Alyssa manages to contact the loan officers for help, turning the tables on Lolo.
Where:Art Show Venue
- 13
Fire and Rescue
A fire breaks out in their apartment caused by Keshawn's misguided attempts to win back Alyssa. Just when it seems like all is lost, Dreux and Alyssa are saved by firefighters, including Maniac, marking a turning point in their spiraling fortunes.
Where:Apartment
- 14
Resolution and New Beginnings
After the chaotic events, Dreux and Alyssa find solace in their new circumstances. With their apartment fixed and careers on the rise, they regain hope for the future, reaffirming their strong friendship along the way.
- 15
Closing Narration
The film concludes with a text montage detailing each character's fate. Dreux thrives in her job, Alyssa's artwork gains value, and even Keshawn, despite mishaps, finds temporary refuge, encapsulating themes of resilience and friendship.
Who Are the Main Characters in One Of Them Days?
5 characters, among them Dreux (Keke Palmer), Alyssa (SZA) and Jameel (Dewayne Perkins): who each one is and the part they play in the story. 4 of them link to the actor’s page.
-
Dreux (Keke Palmer)
Played by Keke Palmer
Dreux is a determined and caring waitress navigating the struggles of adulthood. She is fiercely loyal to her best friend Alyssa but often finds herself frustrated by their financial situation. Dreux aims to secure a better future through her work aspirations and values her community.
- 👩🍳 Waitress
- 🚀 Ambition
- 🤼♀️ Resilience
- A(
Alyssa (SZA)
Alyssa is a passionate yet indecisive artist living with Dreux. She dreams big but often gets distracted by her romantic entanglements. Despite her setbacks, Alyssa's creativity shines through, and her friendship with Dreux remains a source of strength.
- 🎨 Artist
- 💔 Romantic
- 🆘 Friendship
-
Jameel (Dewayne Perkins)
Played by Dewayne Perkins
Jameel is an insightful hairdresser and friend to Dreux and Alyssa. He serves as a voice of reason, providing support throughout their chaotic lives. His loyalty to his friends and his humorous personality make him a beloved character in their journey.
- ✂️ Hairdresser
- 🤣 Humor
- 🎭 Friend
-
Mama Ruth (Vanessa Bell Calloway)
Played by Vanessa Bell Calloway
Mama Ruth is a local woman who runs a vendor stall in the neighborhood. She provides a sense of community and maternal support to Dreux and Alyssa. Her presence reinforces the value of looking out for one another in tough times.
- 🛒 Vendor
- 🔑 Community
- 🤲 Support
-
Lucky (Katt Williams)
Played by Katt Williams
Lucky is a charismatic street-savvy man who warns Dreux and Alyssa about the dangers of predatory lending. His experiences highlight the pitfalls of financial desperation and serve as a cautionary voice for the two friends.
- 🗣️ Advisor
- 🎭 Charisma
- 💔 Reality
Where and When Is One Of Them Days Set?
One Of Them Days is set in The Jungles and Los Angeles. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The film presents a contemporary urban setting, capturing the everyday challenges faced by modern young adults. It foreshadows social issues like gentrification, economic hardship, and the quest for personal identity within a community.
Where
The Jungles, Los Angeles
The Jungles is a tight-knit neighborhood in Los Angeles known for its diverse community. Despite the struggles of its residents, such as Dreux and Alyssa, it embodies a spirit of camaraderie and resilience. The area features a mix of local businesses and residential complexes, each with a unique story.
- 🏙️ City
- 🏠 Community
What Are the Themes of One Of Them Days?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Friendship, Financial Struggles and Art and Passion.
-
01
Friendship
At the core of the story lies the unbreakable bond between Dreux and Alyssa. They navigate life's trials together, showcasing loyalty and support despite facing insurmountable challenges. Their friendship is tested, yet ultimately strengthens as they confront their problems side by side.
-
02
Financial Struggles
Dreux and Alyssa's financial woes serve as a central theme throughout the film. The pressures of looming eviction and mismanaged money highlight the daily realities many face. Their creative attempts to make quick cash illustrate resourcefulness amidst hardship.
-
03
Art and Passion
Alyssa's artistic ambitions play a pivotal role in the story, representing hope and the pursuit of dreams. The pop-up art show becomes a turning point, illustrating how creativity can be a pathway to financial stability and self-fulfillment.
How Does One Of Them Days End?
The last act of One Of Them Days and what it means, in 273 words. The ending lands as happy. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.
The final act, in full
The film concludes on a surprisingly optimistic note for Alyssa and Dreux. After a chaotic and eventful day filled with mishaps, thefts, threats, and near-death experiences, they manage to turn things around thanks to an unexpected help from their new neighbor, Bethany, who hosts an art party that becomes a major success. This event provides them with enough money to pay off their immediate debts and avoid eviction, even though many of their plans seem to have spiraled out of control. They refuse to give the money directly to the threatening gangster, Lobo, and instead turn to the powerful loan collection agency, which is apparently more dangerous than Lobo himself. This move is strategic—by calling the loan sharks, they effectively get Lobo apprehended, which puts an end to his threats.
In the chaos, the apartment is burned down in the fire caused during the confrontation, but since Uche had already removed their belongings earlier, they lose little material. Their luck finally shifts when, after all the turmoil, they sit together at Mama Ruth’s place, celebrating with their favorite drink, Hot Cheetos Martini. The film ends with a positive outlook: Alyssa becomes an art sensation, Dreux finds success as a franchise manager and a partner to Alyssa, and their credit scores are improving. The movie leaves us with a sense that no matter how terrible a day can get, resilience, friendship, and a little bit of luck can help you turn things around and find hope at the end of the ordeal. It’s a testament to the idea that even on “one of those days,” there’s still a chance for things to get better.
What Kind of Film Is One Of Them Days?
Light in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Light
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A fast-paced and energetic buddy comedy that feels like a whirlwind of chaotic misadventures, grounded by the warm and resilient bond between two best friends trying to survive a single crazy day.
- frantic
- humorous
- energetic
- hopeful
- warm
- chaotic
- friendship
- financial struggle
- buddy comedy
- race against time
Content notes: financial peril, threat of violence.
Quiz
How well do you remember One Of Them Days? Test yourself on the story.
