One of Them Days
Issa Review: A Movie Worth Leaving My Cocoon For
I hadn’t been to the movies in over six months. Life had me busy, and honestly, nothing had piqued my interest enough to make me leave my cozy cocoon. But then I saw the trailer. Keke Palmer, SZA, and a film produced by Issa Rae? Say less. I knew I’d be buying a ticket.
Right after church on Sunday, I booked a seat for the 11:45 AM show. No expectations, no idea what the concept was—just pure curiosity. And let me tell you, it was everything.
The movie gave me all the vibes of a modern BAPs meets Friday: besties having one hell of a day. The chemistry between the leads was electric, and the humor was so relatable it felt like I was laughing with my own friends. But beyond the laughs, the film had layers.
Themes That Hit Home
Friendship: The ride-or-die dynamic between the characters reminded me of the beauty and chaos of true friendship. It’s messy, it’s loud, but it’s always love. It also highlighted how easy it is to drift apart as adults and the importance of reconnecting, even after tension or misunderstandings.
Resilience: Life throws curveballs, but the characters kept pushing forward, reminding me to find joy even when things don’t go as planned. Both Keke (Dreux) and SZA’s (Alyssa) characters showed how grounding yourself in your strengths can lead to incredible growth.
Self-Worth: SZA’s character especially hit home here. Seeing her step into her power as an artist and finally walk away from a toxic relationship was inspiring. It’s a reminder that knowing your worth can change everything, from your finances to your relationships.
Celebrating the Everyday: The film turned an ordinary day into something extraordinary. It’s a reminder to find magic in the mundane, and that sometimes the best memories come from unexpected adventures.
Why This Movie Stood Out
There’s something special about seeing women especially Black women just being themselves on screen. Just raw, authentic, hilarious moments. The soundtrack? A vibe. Chef’s kiss. The storytelling? Both heartfelt and laugh-out-loud funny.
Takeaways for My Own Life
Both characters became more grounded in themselves by the end of the movie. Dreux stepped into her power, becoming a franchise manager despite not having a degree and great interview turned bad when her and bestie got jumped, her experience and willpower were enough to prove her capability. Alyssa, a talented artist who struggled with her self-worth, finally realized her value. Her lack of confidence had affected her money and the men she chose, but selling her art allowed her to raise the money they needed to pay rent. And yes, she finally left that no-good Keshaun.
Maintaining adult friendships is tough. It’s so easy to get disconnected and wrapped up in life. The movie highlighted this through the tension that brewed between Dreux and Alyssa. Another takeaway? Stop falling out with friends and if you do, pick up the phone and call her. Friendships are worth the effort.
Walking out of the theater, I felt inspired. Inspired to call my best friend, inspired to embrace the unexpected, and inspired to find joy in the little things. Sometimes, you just need a reminder that even "one of those days" can turn into something unforgettable.
In addition to catching this film, if you’re looking for a fun way to connect with yourself and your bestie, we’ve got you covered! Join us at the studio for a class!
You’ll laugh, stretch, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary, together.
