The Little Hours (2017) – A Hilarious and Irreverent Medieval Comedy
“The Little Hours” is a 2017 comedy film written and directed by Jeff Baena. The movie is loosely based on Giovanni Boccaccio’s “The Decameron” and takes place in medieval Italy. The film boasts a talented ensemble cast and features a witty and irreverent humor that sets it apart from typical period comedies.
Genre: Comedy
“The Little Hours” falls under the genre of comedy, but it’s worth noting that its humor is dark, satirical, and not suitable for all audiences due to its adult content and language.
Synopsis
The story is set in a convent in medieval Italy, where three young nuns, Alessandra (Alison Brie), Fernanda (Aubrey Plaza), and Ginevra (Kate Micucci), are bored and frustrated with their monotonous lives. Their lives take an unexpected turn when a young servant named Massetto (Dave Franco) seeks refuge at the convent after fleeing from his abusive master.
Massetto pretends to be a deaf-mute to avoid detection, but his presence soon causes a stir among the nuns, who find him intriguing and attractive. As the nuns secretly vie for Massetto’s attention, their behavior becomes increasingly scandalous, leading to a series of hilarious and chaotic situations.
The arrival of a visiting bishop (Fred Armisen) further complicates matters as he becomes entangled in the nuns’ escapades, resulting in even more absurd and humorous situations.
Themes Explored
“The Little Hours” explores themes of lust, desire, hypocrisy, and the clash between earthly desires and religious virtue. The film humorously satirizes the strict moral codes of the medieval church and its incongruity with the human desires and flaws of the characters.
Irreverent Humor
The film’s humor is bold, irreverent, and at times, shockingly explicit. It doesn’t shy away from poking fun at religious institutions, and the characters’ wild behavior is in stark contrast to their supposed piety.
Talented Ensemble Cast
The film features an impressive ensemble cast, including Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Kate Micucci, and Dave Franco, who deliver standout performances. Their comedic timing and chemistry bring life to the quirky characters and add to the film’s absurdity.
Unique Setting
The medieval Italian setting adds an interesting twist to the traditional convent story. The film uses the historical context as a backdrop for its raucous and outlandish humor.
The Little Hours
“The Little Hours” is a laugh-out-loud comedy that boldly subverts the conventions of period films and religious tales. With its irreverent humor, talented cast, and unique medieval setting, the film provides a refreshing and entertaining take on a classic premise. However, due to its adult content and humor, “The Little Hours” may not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you enjoy dark, satirical comedy with a historical twist, this film is sure to leave you laughing and entertained.
Duration: 90 min.
