It's time to shine a spotlight on the lack of representation for Black women in buddy comedies! A quick Google search reveals a startling reality: there are only a handful of films featuring Black women in this beloved genre. From the 1997 classic "B.A.P.S." to the more recent "Girls Trip" in 2017, the list is disappointingly short, especially when compared to the abundance of male buddy comedies or even female-led comedies starring white women.
But here's where it gets controversial: even "Waiting to Exhale" from 1995, a movie with a strong female quartet, is technically a romantic drama, leaving us with virtually no true Black women buddy comedies to celebrate.
Enter "One Of Them Days," a new buddy comedy starring Keke Palmer and SZA, which aims to change this narrative. Written by Syreeta Singleton, the showrunner of "Rap Sh!t," and directed by Lawrence Lamont, this film is a breath of fresh air, marking the first buddy comedy led by Black women in nearly a decade.
Set in South Los Angeles, "One Of Them Days" follows the hilarious adventures of two best friends and roommates, Dreux and Alyssa, as they navigate a chaotic day filled with hilarious mishaps and money-making schemes. With a freeloading boyfriend who blows their rent money, the duo embarks on a quest to raise $1,500 by the end of the day, all while Dreux prepares for a life-changing corporate job interview.
In addition to the hilarious hijinks, the film also explores the deep bond between the two women and the challenges they face both individually and as a pair. Dreux's no-nonsense attitude drives her ambition, while Alyssa, a free-spirited artist, grapples with turning her dreams into reality.
"One Of Them Days" offers a charming revival of the Black women buddy comedy genre, a genre that has been sorely missing from our screens for almost three decades. As Issa Rae, one of the film's producers, pointed out, "We haven't seen Black female buddy comedies since 'BAP*S' and even 'Girls Trip.'"
The excitement surrounding the release of "One Of Them Days" is palpable, especially on Black Twitter. Fans are thrilled to see beloved stars like Palmer, SZA, and other Hollywood favorites take center stage in a high-profile buddy comedy.
To truly understand the significance of this film, we must look back at the limited history of Black women in this subgenre. In 1997, filmmaker Robert Townsend cast Halle Berry and the late Natalie Desselle-Reid as Nisi and Mickey, two eccentric Georgia homegirls, in "B.A.P.S." This goofy rags-to-riches story, though absurd, was ahead of its time, showcasing a range of Black women's experiences in a comedic light.
"One Of Them Days" director Lamont acknowledges the lack of references for his film but notes that Townsend's "B.A.P.S." was the closest. He reflects on how seeing Black women in prominent roles made him feel, highlighting the importance of representation.
Another notable instance is "Girls Trip," which arrived 20 years after "B.A.P.S." This raunchy comedy, directed by Malcolm D. Lee, featured a college bestie foursome reuniting at the Essence Festival. The film received critical acclaim for its heartwarming message of Black sisterhood and female-driven comedy.
Despite the success of "Girls Trip," the market for mainstream Black comedies, especially those featuring Black women, remained relatively sparse in the early 2000s and 2010s. However, the film's record-breaking box office numbers proved that audiences were hungry for more.
"One Of Them Days" has already made a strong impression, earning glowing reviews and a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. Its meme-worthy moments have taken social media by storm, and with continued support, we might not have to wait another decade for the next great Black women buddy comedy blockbuster.
As Issa Rae hopes, "One Of Them Days" could become a classic, referenced alongside other iconic films. It's time for Hollywood to recognize the talent and humor of Black women duos and give them the films they rightfully deserve.
"One Of Them Days" is now streaming on Netflix, so grab your popcorn and get ready for a hilarious ride!
