The Little Hours (2017) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie is set in 14th Century Italy, primarily in a serene forest landscape. The story unfolds at a convent where the three sisters live, with a nearby castle serving as the domain of Lord Bruno and his wife Francesca. The contrasting settings of the religious convent and the noble castle highlight the different worlds the characters inhabit.

• setting
• location
• 14th century italy
• convent
• castle

The story is set in the 14th Century, a period marked by social upheaval and the early rise of individualism leading into the Renaissance. This era in Italy saw a flourishing of art and intellect, yet it was also characterized by oppressive hierarchies where personal desires often conflicted with societal expectations.

• time period
• 14th century
• renaissance
• historical setting

The convent serves as both a refuge and a prison for the three sisters. Set within a picturesque forest landscape, it represents a place of religious constraint where the sisters struggle with boredom and frustration. The serene environment contrasts sharply with the chaotic emotions and desires that brew within its walls.

• convents
• nuns
• setting
• forest

The film explores three primary themes: love and betrayal, forbidden desire, and conflict and resolution. These themes interweave throughout the story as characters navigate their repressed desires, secret affairs, and the consequences of their actions in a restrictive societal context.

• themes
• love
• betrayal
• forbidden desire
• conflict

The theme of forbidden desire highlights how the sisters experiment with their newfound power over seduction after Massetto arrives. Their escapades contrast sharply with the usual constraints of convent life, showcasing the excitement and chaos that emerges when societal norms are broken.

• forbidden desire
• sexuality
• nuns
• repression

The film centers on three sisters living at the convent: Sister Fernanda (impulsive and strong-willed), Sister Genevra (cautious and pragmatic), and a third sister. Additional key characters include Massetto, a charming servant who pretends to be deaf and mute; Lord Bruno, an insecure nobleman; and Francesca, his wife who seeks authenticity and passion.

• characters
• sisters
• massetto
• lord bruno
• francesca

Sister Fernanda is characterized as strong-willed and impulsive, often grappling with her desires while trying to adhere to convent life. Her fiery demeanor leads to comedic disputes with her fellow sisters, but she also demonstrates deep loyalty and protectiveness toward those she cares about.

• fernanda
• aubrey plaza
• character
• nun

Massetto is a charming servant who pretends to be deaf and mute to avoid work. His arrival at the convent sparks chaos as the sisters' repressed desires surface. He becomes central to the theme of forbidden love, finding himself entangled in a romantic web that complicates his life and triggers the sisters' scandalous behavior.

• massetto
• dave franco
• servant
• character

Lord Bruno is a wealthy, self-absorbed nobleman who embodies the societal pressures of maintaining control and authority. His relationship with his wife Francesca reveals his insecurities and his desire to possess rather than genuinely connect with others, often leading him toward violent and possessive reactions.

• lord bruno
• nick offerman
• nobleman
• character

Francesca is Lord Bruno's wife, portrayed as a witty and strong character who struggles against her husband's domineering nature. Her affair with Massetto reflects her yearning for authenticity and passion in a marriage that stifles her individuality.

• francesca
• lord bruno's wife
• affair
• character

The three sisters share a sibling-like relationship with distinct dynamic contrasts. Sister Fernanda's impulsiveness often clashes with Sister Genevra's cautious and pragmatic approach, creating tension. Despite their conflicts, they demonstrate loyalty and protectiveness toward one another as they navigate their shared frustrations with convent life.

• sisters
• relationships
• family
• fernanda
• genevra

The film adopts a whimsical and satirical tone, approaching medieval convent life with a modern, anachronistic sense of humor. The pacing is fast, driven by escalating comedic set-pieces and scandals rather than deep character exploration. While touching on themes of sexual frustration and religious hypocrisy, the emotional weight remains light due to the farcical execution.

• tone
• style
• comedy
• satirical
• whimsical