What Is The Little Hours About?
The premise of The Little Hours in 272 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In a sun‑bleached corner of 14th‑century Italy, a cloistered convent becomes a stage for idle longing. The three sisters—Alessandra, Fernanda and Ginevra—are bound by vows that feel as heavy as the woolen habits they wear, yet their days are filled with restless chatter, petty disputes, and an ever‑present yearning for something beyond the stone walls. The convent’s austere routine is punctuated by the occasional absurdity of medieval life, from a stubborn donkey to a groundskeeper who never quite knows when to stay silent.
Into this cloister steps Massetto, a striking new servant who claims to be deaf and mute. His arrival injects a fresh, chaotic energy that awakens the sisters’ hidden impulses. The contrast between his quiet façade and the convent’s suppressed passions creates a simmering tension, hinting at mischief without revealing any of the ensuing antics. It is an invitation to explore desire, rebellion, and the absurdity of trying to keep propriety intact.
Beyond the convent’s gates, the world continues its own tangled dance. Father Tommasso oversees the daily affairs with a weary sense of duty, while the nearby castle houses Lord Bruno and his sharp‑tongued wife Francesca, whose own private intrigues echo the convent’s inner unrest. Even the Bishop makes periodic visits, his presence a reminder that the sacred and the secular are constantly brushing shoulders in this off‑kilter medieval tableau.
The film balances raunchy comedy with whimsical period detail, letting the anachronistic humor play against the stark, stone‑washed backdrop. Its tone is both irreverent and affectionate, painting a picture of a world where cloistered life and worldly temptation collide in a riotous, yet oddly tender, celebration of human folly.
What Happens in The Little Hours?
The complete story of The Little Hours, from the first scene to the last, in 609 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 8 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The movie begins with a serene forest landscape in 14th Century Italy, where Sister Fernanda, played by Aubrey Plaza, is seen leading a donkey back to her convent, despite the sweltering summer heat while donned in heavy winter attire. Upon her return, she encounters Sister Genevra, portrayed by Kate Micucci, who questions her choice of clothing and the repeated escape of the donkey, leading to an argument between the two.
As they make their way toward the convent’s living quarters, they pass the groundskeeper, who greets them cheerfully. In a fit of rage, the sisters hurl insults at him, as they have repeatedly told him to stay silent and avert his gaze. Their anger escalates, resulting in a comical vegetable and tool assault on him.
Meanwhile, in a nearby castle, Lord Bruno, characterized by Nick Offerman, is dining with his wife, Francesca, played by Lauren Weedman. During dinner, he drones on about financial woes and conflicts, annoying Francesca, who counters his monologue with sharp sarcasm. Her glances toward Massetto, a servant portrayed by Dave Franco, suggest a secret affair between them.
Later that night, following an intimate rendezvous, Francesca expresses her disdain for her husband’s tedious nature. Their flirtation continues until they are nearly caught by Lord Bruno. Massetto narrowly escapes through a window, but not before Bruno, suspicious of his servants, attempts to identify him by cutting off a lock of hair and proclaiming, “Now I will know who you are in the morning.”
The following day, the furious Lord Bruno’s anger peaks when he discovers his wife’s indiscretions. In retaliation, he instructs his guards to punish Massetto. Meanwhile, back at the convent, the diligent Sister Alessandra, portrayed by Alison Brie, embraces her duties of weaving and sewing while Father Tommasso, played by John C. Reilly, plans a trip to market with her handiwork. The tension further rises among the sisters, as Fernanda and Genevra express their concerns regarding Alessandra’s unfair advantages due to her father’s financial contributions to the convent.
In a twist of fate, Massetto inadvertently crosses paths with Tommasso—who is inebriated and has lost his fabrics to the river—leading them to hatch a plan for Massetto to assume the position of the mute and deaf groundskeeper in order to avoid the wrath of the sisters. Their scheme seems to work initially, as Massetto finds himself amidst curious and wary glances from the sisters.
A comedic night unfolds when Massetto encounters various escapades, including the unexpected arrival of his friend, who introduces a potion concocted from belladonna that leads to wild nights filled with mirth and forbidden encounters. The lines between friendship and desire blur as the sisters drunkenly experiment with their newfound power over seduction, culminating in a series of intertwining liaisons.
As the Bishop, played by Fred Armisen, arrives to inspect the convent, chaos ensues, leading to horrifying truths being revealed, drastic confessions, and escalating confrontations. The sisters grapple with their feelings of betrayal and guilt, culminating in a climactic confrontation that lays bare their hidden sins.
The unfolding events lead Massetto back to imprisonment at Lord Bruno’s castle, where he faces threats from the guards and a cruel outlook from the lord himself, who revels in the circumstances that surround his wife. However, armed with determination, the sisters unite once more to rescue Massetto, leading to an escape filled with surreal twists.
As the story intensifies, love and secrets intertwine among the sisters, leaving them grappling with their own identities and loyalties. In the film’s closing moments, the characters seek solace in the woods, reaffirming their bond while the film captures a lasting sense of mystery, culminating in an abrupt yet powerful conclusion.
The Little Hours Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Introduction to Sister Fernanda” to “Finding Solace in the Woods”. 14 events name a place, across 9 locations.
- 1
Introduction to Sister Fernanda
The film opens with a stunning portrayal of a serene forest landscape in 14th Century Italy. Sister Fernanda, dressed in heavy winter clothing despite the sweltering heat, leads a stubborn donkey back to her convent, setting the stage for her journey ahead.
When:14th Century Where:Forest near the convent
- 2
Conflict with Sister Genevra
Upon returning to the convent, Sister Fernanda encounters Sister Genevra, who criticizes her choice of attire and the donkey's repeated escapes. This leads to a heated argument, revealing the underlying tensions between the sisters.
Where:Convent grounds
- 3
Disturbing the Groundskeeper
As they walk towards the living quarters, the sisters meet the cheerful groundskeeper. In a fit of rage, they launch a comical assault on him with vegetables and tools, showcasing their frustrations and the absurdity of their situation.
Where:Convent grounds
- 4
Lord Bruno's Dinner
Meanwhile, at a nearby castle, Lord Bruno dines with his sharp-tongued wife, Francesca. Their conversation is filled with Bruno's complaints about financial issues, leading to Francesca's sarcastic remarks and hints of her affair with their servant Massetto.
Where:Castle dining room
- 5
Francesca's Infidelity
Following a romantic encounter, Francesca expresses her frustration towards Bruno’s tediousness. Their secret is nearly uncovered when Bruno becomes suspicious, leading to Massetto’s tense escape through a window.
Where:Castle
- 6
Bruno's Anger
The next day, Lord Bruno’s fury reaches a boiling point when he discovers Francesca’s betrayals. He vows to punish Massetto, demonstrating his possessive and furious nature as he directs his guards to take action.
Where:Castle
- 7
Sister Alessandra's Duties
Back at the convent, Sister Alessandra diligently handles her weaving and sewing tasks. Father Tommasso prepares to visit the market with her works, while jealousy brews among the sisters regarding Alessandra's advantages.
Where:Convent
- 8
Massetto's Disguise
In a twist of fate, Massetto encounters an intoxicated Father Tommasso. Together, they concoct a plan for Massetto to pretend to be the mute and deaf groundskeeper, allowing him to escape the sisters' wrath.
Where:By the river
- 9
Comedic Escapades
That night, Massetto engages in hilarious adventures, fueled by a potion from a friend. The sisters experience a wild night of revelry, leading to blurred lines between seduction and companionship.
Where:Convent
- 10
The Bishop's Visit
The arrival of the Bishop heralds chaos at the convent. Horrifying truths surface, prompting drastic confessions from the sisters, which escalate tensions and confrontations among them.
Where:Convent
Show the other 4 events of The Little Hours Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Massetto's Imprisonment
Massetto finds himself imprisoned in Lord Bruno's castle, facing threats and an unfair outlook from the lord. Bruno revels in the misfortunes surrounding his wife and the servant.
Where:Lord Bruno's castle
- 12
Sisters' Rescue Mission
Determined to save Massetto, the sisters band together to devise an escape plan. Their efforts culminate in a surreal and comedic rescue filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Where:Castle
- 13
Confronting Identity and Loyalty
As tensions rise, the sisters grapple with their complex feelings of love, identity, and loyalty. Their relationships become strained as they confront their hidden desires and personal conflicts.
Where:Convent and surrounding areas
- 14
Finding Solace in the Woods
In the film's concluding moments, the characters seek refuge in the serene woods, reaffirming their deep bonds despite the chaos that ensued. The story ends on a mysterious note, leaving audiences contemplating the complexities of love and loyalty.
Where:Forest
Who Are the Main Characters in The Little Hours?
5 characters, among them Sister Fernanda (Aubrey Plaza), Sister Genevra (Kate Micucci) and Lord Bruno (Nick Offerman): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Sister Fernanda (Aubrey Plaza)
Played by Aubrey Plaza
Sister Fernanda is a strong-willed and impulsive nun who grapples with her desires while adhering to convent life. Her fiery demeanor often leads to comedic disputes with her fellow sisters, yet she exhibits a deep sense of loyalty and protectiveness within her relationships.
- 👩🎤 Sister
- 🌪️ Chaotic
-
Sister Genevra (Kate Micucci)
Played by Kate Micucci
Sister Genevra is a more cautious and pragmatic character, often serving as a foil to Fernanda's impulsiveness. She values the rules of the convent and questions her sister's choices, which creates tension within their sibling-like relationship.
- 👩🎤 Sister
- 🧐 Cautious
-
Lord Bruno (Nick Offerman)
Played by Nick Offerman
Lord Bruno is a wealthy, self-absorbed nobleman who embodies the societal pressures of maintaining an image of control and authority. His relationship with his wife reveals his insecurities and desire to possess rather than connect, leading him toward violent reactions.
- 🏰 Nobleman
- 💔 Unfaithful
- F(
Francesca (Lauren Weedman)
Played by Lauren Weedman
Francesca is a witty and strong character who struggles against her husband's domineering nature. Her affair with Massetto reflects her yearning for authenticity and passion, juxtaposed against her marriage that stifles her individuality.
- 💔 Wife
- 🔥 Passionate
-
Massetto (Dave Franco)
Played by Dave Franco
Massetto is a charming servant caught between his loyalty to his employer and his burgeoning desires. His role in the plot exemplifies the theme of forbidden love, as he finds himself in a web of romantic entanglement that complicates his life.
- 👨🍳 Servant
- ❤️ Romantic
Where and When Is The Little Hours Set?
The Little Hours is set in 14th Century Italy, convent and castle (14th Century). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
14th Century
The 14th Century was marked by social upheaval, the rise of individualism, and significant cultural developments during the Renaissance. In this period, Italy experienced a flourishing of art and intellect, yet it was also a time of oppressive hierarchies, where personal desires often conflicted with societal expectations, as depicted in the film.
Where
14th Century Italy, convent, castle
The movie is set in a serene forest landscape of 14th Century Italy, characterized by its picturesque scenery and tranquil atmosphere. The convent serves as a place of refuge and conflict for the nuns, while the nearby castle stands as a symbol of authority and intrigue where Lord Bruno and his wife navigate their tumultuous relationship.
- 🏰 Castle
- 🏞️ Nature
What Are the Themes of The Little Hours?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love and Betrayal, Forbidden Desire and Conflict and Resolution.
-
01
Love and Betrayal
The film explores the intricacies of love and betrayal, particularly through the secret affair between Francesca and Massetto. As emotions intertwine, the characters must confront the consequences of their actions, revealing a tapestry of desires that lead to both comedic and tragic outcomes.
-
02
Forbidden Desire
The theme of forbidden desire is prevalent as the sisters experiment with their newfound power over seduction. Their escapades highlight a contrast between the usual constraints of their convent lives and the excitement that comes from breaking societal norms.
-
03
Conflict and Resolution
As tensions rise between characters, the film navigates conflicts both internal and external. The sisters confront their personal struggles, and through chaotic events, they seek resolution, illustrating how trust and loyalty can be tested in tumultuous situations.
What Kind of Film Is The Little Hours?
Whimsical in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Whimsical
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
An irreverent and chaotic sex farce set in a medieval convent, where repressed nuns unleash their desires in a whirlwind of lust, drunken antics, and absurd comedy.
- irreverent
- chaotic
- bawdy
- playful
- frenetic
- absurd
- religious satire
- sexual repression
- medieval life
- scandal
Content notes: sexual content, nudity.
Quiz
How well do you remember The Little Hours? Test yourself on the story.
