The Little Hours (2017) (In Hindi)

The Little Hours (2017) is a wildly unconventional comedy that brings a fresh, irreverent twist to historical storytelling. Directed by Jeff Baena and penned by him as well, this film cleverly reimagines a 14th-century Italian tale with an absurd, contemporary comedic flair. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Alison Brie, Dave Franco, John C. Reilly, Fred Armisen, Molly Shannon, Kate Micucci, and Aubrey Plaza, the movie blends sharp wit and physical comedy in a delightfully raucous narrative.

Plot Summary

The story is loosely based on episodes from Giovanni Boccaccio's "The Decameron." The movie is set in a convent in medieval Italy, where three nuns live a life of hypocrisy, debauchery, and chaos rather than piety and devotion. Their monotonous existence is disrupted when a young servant, Massetto (played by Dave Franco), arrives and pretends to be mute to avoid hard labor. However, his pretense captures the attention of the nuns, leading to hilarious, scandalous situations.

The three nuns—Sister Fernanda (Alison Brie), Sister Ginevra (Aubrey Plaza), and Sister Matilda (Kate Micucci)—are each unique characters with distinct personalities and vices. Their secret indulgences contrast sharply with the expectations of their religious environment, creating a fertile ground for comedy. The film’s narrative weaves themes of desire, repression, and rebellion against the strictures of their isolated lives, all portrayed through a comedic, exaggerated lens.

Direction and Writing

Jeff Baena, who also wrote the screenplay, successfully brings a unique voice to this film. His direction balances the historical setting with modern dialogue and comedic timing that make it accessible and relatable to today's audience. Baena’s style is evident in the rapid-fire exchanges and physical comedy sequences, creating a film that is as visually engaging as it is witty.

The writing shines through in the clever interplay between the characters, making the religious setting a playground for absurd yet relatable human foibles. Baena’s script pushes the boundaries of conventional period pieces, using anachronistic humor and bold language to generate laughter and provoke thought simultaneously.

Main Cast and Performances

• Alison Brie as Sister Fernanda – Brie brings charisma and a sharp comedic edge to her role, portraying a nun struggling with her strict vows and newfound desires. Her performance balances innocence and naughtiness with great finesse.
• Dave Franco as Massetto – Franco's charm as the silent servant who cunningly manipulates his way into the nuns’ affections serves as the catalyst for much of the film's humor.
• Aubrey Plaza as Sister Ginevra – Plaza excels in her role with her trademark deadpan delivery and dark humor, embodying a rebellious and sardonic nun who challenges the status quo.
• Kate Micucci as Sister Matilda – Micucci contributes a quirky, innocent quality that contrasts hilariously with her character’s secret indulgences.
• John C. Reilly, Fred Armisen, and Molly Shannon also add notable supporting performances, each bringing their comedic talents to enrich the film’s ensemble dynamic.

Genre and Tone

Firmly rooted in comedy, The Little Hours thrives on its absurdity and irreverence. The film’s tone is playful and often brazen, deliberately juxtaposing sacred themes with crude humor. This unique blend challenges viewers’ expectations and explores the human condition through a comedic lens that is both refreshing and provocative.

Conclusion

The Little Hours stands out as an inventive, bold comedy that embraces its anachronistic humor and ensemble cast to tell a story about desire, freedom, and rebellion. With Jeff Baena’s sharp writing and direction, along with compelling performances from a talented cast, the film offers a memorable cinematic experience that’s both hilarious and thought-provoking. Whether you are a fan of historical comedies or dark humor, this movie is a brilliant choice for an unexpected laugh-filled journey into medieval naughtiness.

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive updates for latest hindi movies. Stay Connected!