In her music, SZA has created a world that is raw, vulnerable and poetically complex. Now she’s venturing into an entirely different sphere — acting. In "One of Them Days," SZA steps into the world of film for the first time, starring alongside Issa Rae and Keke Palmer and showcasing her signature truthlike demeanor on-screen in a way her lamblethas never before witnessed.

“It’s surreal,” SZA admits, reflecting on the transition from musician to actress. “Alyssa, my character, is so different from the vibe people associate with me. She’s quirky and carefree, almost like the wild card in your friend group. That lightness really drew me in.”

For an artist who’s amassed accolades like Grammy Awards (including her 2022 win for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance alongside Doja Cat for “Kiss Me More”) and Billboard chart-toppers, stepping into the acting world was an unexpected challenge. Yet, SZA’s journey has always been about defying expectations.

Filling it with a whirlwind of chaotic but hilarious misadventures, "One of Them Days" is a homage to Black pop culture comedies like "House Party" and "Friday After Next." In the film, Alyssa and her best friend Dreux (Keke Palmer) try to make rent, taking on odd jobs, experiencing awkward moments and laugh-out-loud scenarios. For SZA, it was an opportunity to accept the unforeseen.

“Acting is so different from being on stage,” she says. “When I perform music, it’s me in my purest form, but acting is about collaboration. You’re feeding off your co-stars’ energy, trusting the director, and stepping into someone else’s shoes. It was a challenge, but one I really needed.”

This ability to embrace new challenges reflects the same determination SZA displayed while creating her critically acclaimed album Ctrl. Released in 2017, the album earned her multiple Grammy nominations and established her as one of the most distinctive voices in R&B. Much like her music, SZA’s acting debut is rooted in authenticity.

One of the film’s most resonant lines comes from SZA’s Alyssa: “They can’t control you when you know your worth.” For the artist, this theme resonates deeply.

“There have been so many moments in my life where I’ve had to remind myself of that truth,” she reflects. “Whether it’s taking my time with my album or standing firm on creative decisions—like covering myself in blood for a video concept—I’ve learned to trust my instincts. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.”

As SZA prepares to go on tour, opening for Kendrick Lamar, she thinks back on how acting has adjusted her outlook. “I’ve never played stadiums before, and that’s been a huge feat for me,” she says. “Acting gave me a different kind of confidence. It’s uncomfortable stepping into something new, but it also builds you up in ways you don’t expect.”

For SZA, "One of Them Days" is more than just a comedy; it’s a reminder to embrace the beauty in chaos and the power of friendship. “Life can be messy, but those unexpected moments? They’re the ones you’ll look back on and laugh the hardest at,” she says.

With her film debut under her belt and a groundbreaking tour on the horizon, SZA is stepping into a new era of her artistry. “This is just the beginning,” she says with a quiet confidence. “I’m learning to go with the flow and trust the process—wherever it takes me.”

"One of Them Days" hits theaters on January 17th. If this performance is any indication, SZA’s next chapter will be one for the books.