The Little Hours: A Hilarious Dark Comedy You Won't Forget

What's up, movie buffs! Today, we're diving deep into a film that's sure to tickle your funny bone while simultaneously making you question your life choices. I'm talking about The Little Hours (2017), guys, a dark comedy that's as weird as it is wonderful. If you're tired of the same old predictable rom-coms and superhero flicks, then buckle up, because this one’s a wild ride through a 14th-century Italian convent. Get ready to meet some seriously unconventional nuns and a vineyard-working stud who accidentally ends up in their midst. It’s a story that’s been brewing for centuries, inspired by Boccaccio’s Decameron, but director Jeff Baena has given it a modern, hilarious, and sometimes downright shocking twist. So, grab your popcorn, maybe a glass of wine (you know, for thematic consistency), and let’s explore what makes The Little Hours such a standout gem in the indie film scene. We'll break down the premise, the stellar cast, the unique humor, and why this flick is an absolute must-watch for anyone looking for something a little different.

A Convent Like No Other: The Premise of The Little Hours

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of what The Little Hours is all about. Imagine this: a medieval convent, but not the pious, serene kind you might picture. No, no, these nuns are far from holy. We’ve got Sister Fernanda, played brilliantly by Aubrey Plaza, who’s basically a foul-mouthed, volatile force of nature. Then there's Sister Genevra, portrayed by Kate Micucci, a sweet but equally unhinged nun who’s secretly in love with a local priest. And rounding out our main trio is Sister Alessandra, brought to life by Molly Shannon, who’s a bit more level-headed but still clearly struggling with the convent's… unique atmosphere. Their lives of prayer and hard labor take a seriously unexpected turn when a handsome, somewhat simple-minded stable hand named Massetto, played by Dave Franco, seeks refuge at the convent after fleeing his abusive master. The catch? He’s forced to pretend to be a deaf-mute to avoid attention. This, my friends, is where the chaos truly begins. The nuns, starved for male attention and pretty bored with their convent life, start to take a… keen interest in Massetto. What follows is a series of hilarious, awkward, and often scandalous encounters as the nuns vie for his affections, each in their own spectacularly un-nun-like way. The premise itself is gold – taking a historical setting and injecting it with modern sensibilities and raunchy humor. It’s about desire, repression, and the absurdity of religious life when faced with the basic human need for connection (and, let’s be honest, a bit of fun). The script, co-written by Baena and Plaza, manages to be both surprisingly clever and delightfully crude, making it a fresh take on historical comedy. You’ll find yourself laughing out loud at the sheer audacity of these characters and their antics. It’s a testament to the film’s writing that it can balance the outlandish with moments of genuine character development, even if that development involves a lot of inappropriate behavior. Trust me, this convent is anything but quiet and prayerful; it’s a powder keg of repressed desires waiting to explode, and Massetto is the unfortunate spark.

A Cast That Kills It: The Stars of The Little Hours

One of the biggest reasons The Little Hours shines so bright is its absolutely stacked cast. Seriously, guys, the talent in this movie is off the charts. Aubrey Plaza as Sister Fernanda is just chef’s kiss. She’s perfectly cast as the cynical, foul-mouthed nun who seems to revel in the convent's depravity. Plaza’s signature deadpan delivery and edgy humor are on full display here, and she absolutely owns the role. You can practically feel her barely contained chaos radiating through the screen. Then we have Dave Franco as Massetto, the unwitting object of the nuns’ affections. He’s got the perfect blend of innocence and cluelessness, making him the ideal foil for the scheming nuns. His journey from terrified stable hand to… well, something much more complicated, is hilarious to watch. And let’s not forget the powerhouse that is Molly Shannon as Sister Alessandra. Shannon brings such a unique warmth and vulnerability to her character, even as Alessandra gets caught up in the convent’s escalating drama. She’s the one who tries to keep things somewhat in check, but even she can’t resist the allure of Massetto’s… presence. The supporting cast is equally impressive. Kate Micucci is a delight as the shy, lovesick Sister Genevra, whose attempts at seduction are both endearing and deeply awkward. You might also recognize Adam Pally as a rather lascivious priest, and Nick Offerman pops up as Massetto's abusive former master, delivering a hilariously brutal performance. Even Jemima Kirke makes an appearance as a visiting noblewoman, adding another layer of absurdity to the proceedings. The chemistry between these actors is palpable, and you can tell they’re all having an absolute blast making this movie. Their commitment to the absurdity of the script is what makes the humor land so perfectly. It’s a testament to Baena’s directing and the strength of the script that he could wrangle such a talented group of comedic actors into this unconventional project. They all lean into the ridiculousness with gusto, creating memorable characters that are both flawed and strangely lovable. This ensemble cast is truly the heart of the film, bringing a level of comedic timing and commitment that elevates The Little Hours from a quirky concept to a genuinely hilarious cinematic experience.

Laughs, Lies, and Low Morals: The Humor of The Little Hours

Now, let’s talk about the good stuff – the humor! The Little Hours isn’t your typical laugh-a-minute comedy. Its humor is dark, dry, and often comes from the most unexpected places. The core of the comedy lies in the juxtaposition of the sacred setting with the utterly profane behavior of the nuns. Picture this: prayers are interrupted by bawdy jokes, confessions turn into flirtatious encounters, and religious vows are casually tossed aside in favor of lustful pursuits. It’s this constant clash between piety and depravity that fuels most of the laughs. The dialogue is sharp, witty, and frequently laced with modern slang, which, while anachronistic, adds to the film’s unique charm and comedic effect. It feels like a group of hilarious friends riffing on a historical setting. Aubrey Plaza’s Fernanda is a masterclass in sarcastic delivery, her every line dripping with disdain and dark wit. Dave Franco’s Massetto, being a mute for most of the film, relies heavily on physical comedy and bewildered reactions, which are incredibly effective. The nuns' various attempts to seduce Massetto are a goldmine of awkward and hilarious scenarios. Whether it’s through clumsy serenades, thinly veiled propositions, or outright attempts at manipulation, their efforts are consistently absurd and incredibly funny. The film also doesn’t shy away from the more shocking or taboo elements of desire. It pushes boundaries, and that’s part of what makes it so daring and, for many, so funny. It’s a comedy that trusts its audience to understand and appreciate its dark, unconventional sense of humor. You’ll find yourself laughing at things you probably shouldn’t, and that’s exactly the point. The humor isn’t just about shock value; it’s also about the relatable (albeit extreme) exploration of human desire, boredom, and the lengths people will go to when they’re feeling repressed. The writing is clever enough to make these characters, despite their often deplorable actions, strangely compelling. You’re rooting for them in their chaotic pursuit, even as you’re cringing at their methods. It’s a delicate balance, and the film nails it, delivering consistent laughs without ever feeling mean-spirited. It’s the kind of humor that lingers with you, the kind that makes you want to rewatch it just to catch all the subtle jokes you might have missed the first time around.

Why The Little Hours is a Must-Watch

So, why should you, my fellow cinephiles, add The Little Hours to your watchlist? Well, for starters, it’s a breath of fresh, albeit slightly musty convent air in a sea of predictable cinema. It takes a historical setting and injects it with a potent dose of modern, irreverent humor that’s incredibly refreshing. The unique blend of dark comedy, period setting, and stellar performances makes it stand out. It’s a film that isn’t afraid to be weird, to be bold, and to push boundaries. The cast, as we've discussed, is phenomenal, with Aubrey Plaza, Dave Franco, and Molly Shannon leading a charge of comedic brilliance. Their commitment to the absurdity of the script is what makes the humor land so effectively. It’s a film that celebrates the awkward, the inappropriate, and the downright hilarious. If you appreciate quirky independent films that don’t follow the usual Hollywood formula, then this is definitely for you. It’s smart, it’s funny, and it’s got a whole lot of heart, even if that heart is beating to the rhythm of some very questionable decisions. The Little Hours is the perfect movie for when you want something that’s going to surprise you, make you laugh uncontrollably, and maybe even make you think a little bit about the nature of desire and repression. It’s a delightful romp through a medieval convent that proves that sometimes, the most scandalous stories are the ones that are the most fun. So, do yourself a favor, find a cozy spot, and prepare to be thoroughly entertained by the unholy antics of these unforgettable nuns. It’s a cinematic experience that’s truly one for the books, guys. Don't miss out on this absolute gem!