Jeff Baena’s “The Little Hours” — A Hilariously Irreverent Film set in the 14th Century
Synopsis: “Massetto poses as a man with hearing and speech impairment in order to seek refuge in a convent full of sexually frustrated nuns.”
Starring: Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Dave Franco, Kate Micucci, et. al.
Directed by: Jeff Baena
Adapted from: Giovanni Boccaccio’s The Decameron (1353)
Streaming on: Netflix; Prime Video
I can’t believe how late I’ve found out about this movie. Released in 2017, The Little Hours had a disaster box-office collection for reasons unknown to me. However, the way it tanked at the box-office makes it an underrated film. And I could give a numerous reasons for the same — great actors, great acting, stunning cinematography and an ironic narrative that modernizes a 14th Century tale, while keeping it true to its core. Oh, how could I not separately mention the ever-funny Fred Armisen, whose limited yet absolutely hilarious, scenes made my jaws hurt from cackling!
This is one of those rare moments when I’d like to thank Netflix for streaming this gem of a movie, and 2023 seems like a fitting year to watch (or, rewatch) the fil-um.
In The Little Hours, you’ll get to see three nuns crushing over a stunningly handsome man (who pretends to be a mute to get away from Lord Bruno) (also, casting Dave Franco as Massetto was such a “heavenly” job done by the casting director). But, I’m yet to make out what comes out as even funnier — the “blasphemous” relationship between the Father and the Head Nun, or the deadpan Bishop (Armisen is yet another great casting!). Sex Education viewers might also be able to recognize Jemima Kirke as “witch” Marta — she’s as funny (playing an exorbitant side character) as she’s in the last season of the aforementioned Netflix TV Series.
If my using the word “blasphemous” for a number of times has vexed you, wait till I use it one more time — to describe how “blasphemous” “Lord” Bruno was to punish his wife for treason (for sleeping with Massetto).
The Little Hours is anything but pretentious. It is as honest as is the spontaneity in the cast’s acting. As usual, Aubrey outdid (in my opinion) the rest of the nuns, followed by Micucci (I feel like she’s being typecast as this eccentric-dumbo woman in every other film/show) and Brie. For the nth time, Armisen is one of my favorite comedic actors (as of now), who actually possesses the ability to make the audience laugh within a few minutes of his screen presence. And how could I ignore his perfectly comedic makeover!
The Little Hours should be more popular according to the content it tries to bring to the audience. And there are so many reasons besides mere sacrilege — it explores the basic human need for intercourse, normalizes humans having sexual urges, delves deeper into sexualities, and stars the unfathomably gorgeous Dave Franco!
If you’ve already watched this gem of a film or plan to do so in the future, do comment below!
