SZA, Keke Palmer, & Issa Rae on the Magical ‘Lifelong’ Chemistry of One of Them Days and SZA’s Acting Debut

It’s no secret that SZA’s industry veteran co-star is unofficially known as Keke “Keep a Job” Palmer — and the many hats she wears makes her somewhat of a kindred spirit to her character in the film, a waitress working to land a managerial position that will put both her and Alyssa in a better financial position.

“I actually do feel like I’m like Dreaux,” says Palmer, who’s also an executive producer of the movie. “I’m very ambitious. I want to try to figure it all out and feel like if I do everything right, it should turn out the right way, which, obviously, we know it won’t. But then you get back up and you try again,” she adds. “I really do relate to her type-A personality.”

Anne Marie Fox

SZA also sees herself in her character, to a certain degree. “I definitely feel like I’m Alyssa-coded, but I’m way more bossed up in real life,” she says proudly. “But at the same token, all the nonsense and the Calamity Jane aspect of it is super, super accurate to me.”

One of Them Days is a subtle nod to the ‘90s cult classic Friday, and was shot in just 20 days. The cast is rounded out by a host of familiar faces who cross paths with Alyssa and Dreaux as they race to keep a roof over their heads, like Abbott Elementary’s Janelle James, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Snowfall’s Amin Joseph, and comedians Lil Rel Howery and Katt Williams.

“When I saw Katt Williams, I thought it was a joke,” SZA confesses of the comedian’s character who (much like him), is a bit of a truth-teller who tries to warn the besties of the frivolity of their money-making pursuits.

Alongside SZA, other stars like Aziza Scott, Patrick Cage II, and Joshua Neal, are also making their big screen debuts in One of Them Days. “I love watching veterans, but there’s also something great about discovery, of seeing someone where you’re like, ‘Oh my god, I’ve never heard of them before and they made this particular scene or they made this moment for me,’” says Rae of the intentionality behind the movie’s casting. “I love the actor who plays Maniac, Patrick Cage, and Joshua Neal, who plays Sean, is phenomenal. Those are actors that I feel will continue to work for a long time.”