Watch The Little Hours

The Little Hours is a 2017 period comedy film based on the novella of the same name by Giovanni Boccaccio, which was first published in the 14th century. It is directed by Jeff Baena, who also wrote the screenplay. The movie has an ensemble cast that includes Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Kate Micucci, Aubrey Plaza, John C. Reilly, Molly Shannon and Fred Armisen.

Set in Italy during the Middle Ages, The Little Hours follows the lives of three nuns who have each found their way to the convent for different reasons. Alessandra (Alison Brie) is a noblewoman who has been forced into the convent by her father after her affair with a stable boy is discovered. Ginevra (Kate Micucci) is a servant girl who has been seeking refuge at the convent after being raped by her employer. Fernanda (Aubrey Plaza) is a foul-mouthed troublemaker who takes pleasure in pushing people's buttons.

The nuns' day-to-day life is filled with chanting, praying and doing chores around the convent. However, their routine is disrupted when a handsome young servant named Massetto (Dave Franco) shows up seeking sanctuary from his vengeful lord. The nuns are immediately smitten with him, and their behavior becomes increasingly erratic as they try to seduce him.

The situations and dialogues in this movie are quite ribald, which makes it clear that this is not a conventional costume drama. Indeed, the humor in the movie is a major departure from its source material, which was considered bawdy for its time but is largely lost on modern audiences.

The performances in this movie are superb, with the actors fully committed to their outlandish roles. Alison Brie convincingly portrays a noblewoman who is repressed both sexually and emotionally, while Kate Micucci brings an undercurrent of pain to her portrayal of a woman who has been victimized by men. Aubrey Plaza steals every scene she is in with her deadpan delivery and acid wit.

Dave Franco pulls off a winning performance as Massetto, who finds himself at the mercy of the nuns. His initial discomfort with their advances evolves into a sense of liberation, as he begins to enjoy his surroundings and, eventually, his own newfound power.

The supporting cast is also strong, with John C. Reilly playing the role of the Bishop overseeing the convent with a delightful deadpan humor. Fred Armisen and Molly Shannon play a couple who live in the nearby village, and their scenes are also quite humorous.

The locations in this movie are wonderful with the setting playing a vital role in emphasizing the nature of the nuns' confinement. The film was shot in Tuscany, Italy, with the medieval architecture and dramatic landscapes providing the perfect backdrop for the movie's events.

The Little Hours is a bold and unique film that subverts the conventions of the period comedy genre. The use of modern colloquial language spoken in a medieval setting will seem bizarre to some, but this approach makes the movie resonate with modern audiences. It is not without its flaws, but its successes far outweigh its shortcomings.

Overall, The Little Hours is a naughty, irreverent and hilarious comedy that will entertain those with a taste for the absurd. The energy and creativity on display in this movie make it a joy to watch and a true standout in a crowded genre.

The Little Hours is a 2017 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8 and a MetaScore of 69.