Keke Palmer and pop sensation SZA prove to be quite the dynamic comedic duo in this spirited and sharply entertaining buddy comedy, the feature directorial debut of Syreeta Singleton. With natural chemistry and impeccable comedic instincts, Palmer and SZA shine as Dreux and Alyssa — two best friends navigating the chaos of adulthood while sharing a dilapidated Los Angeles apartment.
Dreux and Alyssa, perpetually behind on rent and living in an apartment plagued by faulty plumbing, flickering lights, and a landlord with no sense of boundaries, find themselves facing imminent eviction. Their only hope is to come up with the money by 6pm — a daunting task made all the more complicated when they realize Alyssa’s unreliable boyfriend, Keshawn (Joshua David Neal), has already squandered their rent savings on one of his many failed entrepreneurial endeavours.
To make matters worse, the friends soon find themselves pursued by Keshawn’s erratic new girlfriend Berniece (Aziza Scott), who seems determined to settle personal scores. What follows is a madcap race across Los Angeles as Dreux and Alyssa frantically attempt to gather funds through a series of increasingly misguided schemes with very little success.
Palmer and SZA anchor the film with two distinct yet complementary performances. SZA’s Alyssa is a vibrant force of nature — impulsive, wildly optimistic, and perpetually convinced that her next idea will be a guaranteed success, despite all evidence to the contrary. Palmer’s Dreux, by contrast, attempts to be the voice of reason, though her patience quickly frays as circumstances spiral out of control.
Legendary stand up comic Katt Williams delivers a scene-stealing performance as Lucky, a self-styled street prophet who offers the women his dubious brand of wisdom. Meanwhile, Maude Apatow brings sharp comedic timing to her role as Bethany, a well-meaning but hopelessly out-of-touch neighbour whose presence serves as a subtle commentary on the creeping tide of gentrification in their neighbourhood.
What sets Singleton’s film apart from more conventional buddy comedies is its self-awareness. Beneath its wild humour and slapstick misadventures lies a perceptive critique of millennial and Gen Z financial precarity. Dreux and Alyssa’s struggles with rent, gig work, and unreliable partners reflect a very real, relatable and very contemporary anxiety amongst young woman.
Ultimately, this is more than just a raucous comedy. It is also a thoughtful exploration of friendship under pressure — the kind of bond where laughter becomes a survival mechanism. With Singleton’s confident direction, Palmer and SZA’s irresistible charisma, and a script that balances humour and heart, this debut feature is a delightful surprise, signalling bright futures ahead for everyone involved.
