The lack of representation of Black women in buddy comedies is a glaring omission in the film industry, and it's high time we address this gap. Imagine searching for 'Black women buddy comedies' and finding only a handful of results, with decades-old movies like 'B.A.P.S.' and 'Waiting to Exhale' being the exceptions rather than the rule.
While we've had the pleasure of watching hilarious female buddy comedies starring white women, such as 'Baby Mama' and 'Bridesmaids', the representation of Black women in this genre has been sorely lacking. But there's a glimmer of hope on the horizon with the release of 'One Of Them Days', a new buddy comedy starring Keke Palmer and SZA.
Written by Syreeta Singleton, the showrunner of 'Rap Sh!t', and directed by Lawrence Lamont, 'One Of Them Days' is a breath of fresh air, marking the first buddy comedy led by Black women in nearly eight years. It's a reunion of sorts for Palmer and SZA, who captivated audiences during their 2022 'Saturday Night Live' appearance. The film boasts an impressive cast, including Katt Williams, Lil Rel Howery, and Maude Apatow, among others.
Set in South Los Angeles, the film follows the hilarious adventures of two best friends and roommates, Dreux and Alyssa, as they navigate life's challenges. With Alyssa's freeloading boyfriend blowing their rent money, the duo finds themselves in a race against time to come up with $1,500 before the eviction clock strikes. Their quest for quick cash leads to a series of ridiculous and hilarious adventures, showcasing the unique charm and resilience of Black women.
In addition to the chaotic and hilarious plot, 'One Of Them Days' explores the deep bond between the two women and the challenges they face, both together and individually. Dreux, with her no-nonsense attitude, aspires to rise above her waitressing job, while Alyssa, a free spirit, grapples with turning her full-time painter dreams into a reality. It's a heartwarming and entertaining portrayal of Black female friendship and resilience.
Issa Rae, who co-produced the film, highlighted the significance of 'One Of Them Days' in an interview, noting the dearth of Black female buddy comedies since 'B.A.P.S.' and 'Girls Trip'. The film's release has sparked excitement, especially on Black Twitter, not just because of the talented cast but also because it places two Black women at the forefront of a high-profile buddy comedy.
To truly appreciate the impact of 'One Of Them Days', we must look back at the limited history of Black women in buddy comedies. In 1997, Robert Townsend's 'B.A.P.S.' introduced the concept of two Black actresses leading a buddy comedy, with Halle Berry and the late Natalie Desselle-Reid playing Georgia homegirls Nisi and Mickey. Despite mixed reviews, the film became a cult classic, carving out a niche space for Black women in comedic films.
'Girls Trip', released 20 years later, built upon the foundation laid by 'B.A.P.S.', featuring a college bestie foursome reuniting at the Essence Festival. The raunchy comedy received rave reviews, praising its heartwarming message of Black sisterhood and female-driven comedy. It proved that Black women's experiences could be depicted realistically and acceptingly on screen.
The success of 'Girls Trip' demonstrated the market's appetite for mainstream Black comedies, particularly those featuring Black women. Its record-breaking box office numbers showed that there was a demand for this subgenre, and yet, it took years for another Black women buddy comedy to emerge.
'One Of Them Days' has received early praise, with glowing reviews and a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, a rare feat for a major comedy release. 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.
The film's potential to jumpstart a new era of comedic storytelling for Black women is evident, with a sequel already in the works. As Issa Rae expressed, there's a pressure for 'One Of Them Days' to succeed so that the industry recognizes the demand for diverse and inclusive storytelling. Her dream is for the film to become an iconic classic, referenced alongside other iconic Black films.
Let's hope that 'One Of Them Days' paves the way for more representation of funny Black women duos on screen, giving them the recognition and films they rightfully deserve. Catch 'One Of Them Days' streaming on Netflix and join the conversation!
