Known for their vibrant personalities and undeniable talents, SZA and Keke Palmer have captured hearts both on and off-screen. The duo shines brightly as they promote their new film, One of Them Days, hitting theaters on January 17. This buddy comedy, set against the urban backdrop of Los Angeles, tells the story of two best friends working against the clock to scrape together rent money before eviction.
With Keke Palmer at the helm, whose accolades include numerous awards and performances since her childhood, the film finds its rhythm perfectly matched by SZA, making her acting debut. During exclusive interviews, including one with PEOPLE, Palmer expressed her excitement about SZA’s performance, stating, "The world is about to be just gagged. Honestly, it’s so, so good. I really am just so proud of you and the movie. It’s all, to me, a match made in heaven."
Meanwhile, SZA candidly shared her feelings about stepping onto the big screen for the first time. She admitted, "I’m trying something brand new. All I can do is try my best, you know, and thank God for the opportunity and just kinda lean..." Her reflections reveal the anxiousness as she plunges headfirst from music to acting, underscoring the immense pressure she felt about being perceived on screen. "I have tons of fears of being perceived on camera, talking, my voice [and] being next to Keke, who’s..." she explained, alluding to Palmer's stellar career.
Palmer and SZA's relationship burgeoned from their initial interaction over Instagram DMs about 'girl stuff.' Their bond grew stronger after hosting Saturday Night Live, where they collaborated on the now-famous viral song, “Bad Boys” cuffing season. "It was like looking in the mirror," Palmer reflected on their connection, which later translated seamlessly to their roles as Dreux (Palmer) and Alyssa (SZA) on-screen.
Their chemistry was evident during the promotional circuit, including memorable moments on Hot Ones, where Palmer playfully put SZA on the spot, asking, "Is Drake a good kisser?" SZA quipped back, “That’s why I said ‘Fk you in advance,’” before laughing it off. She then tactfully dodged the question, insisting, "2009, we were children. Real st.” The playful banter showcases not only their friendship but also the exhilarating camaraderie shared off-camera.
SZA has maintained confidentiality about her past with Drake, the famous Canadian rapper. This light-hearted query by Palmer perhaps highlights the comedic undertone of their relationships. While teasingly referencing Drake, Palmer noted, “He must have been terrible,” indicating their playful approach to the subject, which SZA expertly sidestepped.
Issa Rae, known for her influential work on Awkward Black Girl and INSECURE, produced One of Them Days under her company, Hoorae Media. Rae couldn’t praise the duo enough, stating, “[SZA] freaking killed it, and watching Keke overextend...” She elaborated on their dynamic during production with enthusiasm, illustrating the strong bond the two actresses developed through rehearsals and filming sessions. Rae noted how they would often spend long hours discussing life on set, driving the narrative forward not just through words but genuine personal connection.
Palmer described their sessions together as "12 hours of real-life conversation. It was like a crash course, like a speed date but very intense.” Their rapport deepened, giving rise to candid moments—they jokingly discussed marriage as they grew to appreciate each other's company on set. “We actually liked each other. We was gonna get married at the end. I was gonna say ‘I do,’” added SZA with laughter, to which Palmer heartily agreed, saying, "It was giving [that]."
Despite both SZA and Palmer's successful careers, 'One of Them Days' focuses on the everyday struggles of young adulthood, making it relatable. Their friendship weaves through the movie, showcasing how two best friends navigate life's obstacles with humor, friendship, and resilience.
With buzz building around its release and the incredible chemistry exhibited by Palmer and SZA, audiences can expect not only laughs but also heartfelt moments when One of Them Days arrives in theaters later this month. It promises to be not just another film but rather, as Palmer suggests, “a match made in heaven”—a delightful experience showcasing two talents at their peak, complemented beautifully by Rae’s guiding hand.