"Mortal Sin" 

A Review of "The Little Hours" by Nathan H. Box

Director: Jeff Baena, Writer: Jeff Baena, Starring: Alison Brie, Dave Franco, Kate Micucci

Rating: 3 Stars, STREAM! 

For my 15th film of the 43rd Annual Seattle International Film Festival, I needed a laugh. In no shape, form, or fashion was I disappointed with my choice. 

"The Little Hours" focuses on a young servant played by Dave Franco. His character is overly ambitious in the bedroom. After it is discovered that he has been sleeping with his master's wife, he takes refuge in a convent with a group of nuns. For the rest of the film, he either regrets the decision or finds his and their sexual appetites fulfilled. Needless to say, these nuns are quite unstable and every decision they make is hilarious. 

For a film set in the Middle Ages, one of the first things you will notice is that our characters don't consistently use language from the period they are playing. For me, this was a tip of the hat to "Monty Python," Mel Brooks, and "Blazing Saddles." Within the first few minutes of meeting the nuns, we find them verbally assaulting and cursing at a hired hand of the convent. The scene is hilarious and serves as proof that something is different here.

As the film moves forward, you come to the realization that there is more than meets the eye to this film. Our nuns get crazier and crazier. Plus their willingness and competition to violate their celibacy sets this film over the top. 

Without a doubt, this isn't the funniest film you will see this year. Given its source material, it will offend some. At a certain level, that's what a good comedy should do. It should offend and force you to question the things you hold dear. It shouldn't just exist to feed you quotable lines and plots you have seen before. For taking this brave approach, I recommend streaming, "The Little Hours." 

Be good to each other, 

-Nathan