The film follows Barbara Scott, a woman sexually frustrated after her husband leaves her. While initially avoiding the advances of other men and an orgy hosted by a friend, she eventually finds herself developing an intense sexual attraction to her adult son, Paul. The story focuses on the mutual seduction and the resulting incestuous relationship. Critical & Industry Impact Taboo (1980) - IMDb
This legal gray area is why IMDB has historically been cautious with the page. By searching , you are essentially viewing a film that was once a crime to screen.
Unlike mainstream films, Taboo has faced an inconsistent history on IMDB. For years, the platform (owned by Amazon) has struggled with balancing free expression and community standards regarding adult content. While IMDB does host pages for countless adult films, Taboo has frequently been flagged, delisted, or stripped of features that other films take for granted.
: The script explores themes of isolation, hidden desires, and the collapse of traditional family dynamics. imdb taboo 1980
Explicit unsimulated sexual content, incest theme (mother-son), strong language, and nudity. No violence or drug use.
: Unlike many of its contemporaries, the film is known for its relatively high production values, stylized cinematography, and a narrative focus that leaned into psychological drama.
You cannot discuss Taboo (1980) without addressing the legal firestorm that followed its release. The film arrived just as the United States was entering a conservative political shift with the dawn of the Reagan administration. The film follows Barbara Scott, a woman sexually
for historians of the genre, it is certainly not for the faint of heart or those looking for a lighthearted "retro" watch. controversial films from that era?
"Taboo" tells the story of Tom Bradley (Tab Hunter), a wealthy playboy who becomes obsessed with his sister-in-law, Judy (Judi Franco). After a chance encounter, Tom and Judy begin an affair, which leads to a series of complex and often disturbing events. As the story unfolds, Tom's obsessive behavior becomes increasingly unhinged, leading to a tragic confrontation with his family and Judy's husband.
, marking a shift toward the mainstream acceptance of adult media in the home video market. Production Detail: Critical & Industry Impact Taboo (1980) - IMDb
The 1980 film "The Taboo" is a movie that has gained notoriety over the years for its explicit content, complex plot, and intriguing behind-the-scenes story. Directed by Sean S. Cunningham, the film has become a cult classic among fans of exploitation cinema and has sparked intense debate about its themes, artistic merit, and cultural significance.
Set in a small English mining town, the film follows a teenage girl navigating coming-of-age conflicts amid family tension, conservative community norms, and personal awakenings. Musical sequences intersperse the drama to highlight emotional beats.
When "The Taboo" was released in 1980, it sparked widespread controversy due to its explicit depiction of incest, rape, and violence. The film was heavily criticized for its perceived misogyny, homophobia, and voyeuristic tendencies. Many critics accused Cunningham of sensationalism and exploitation, arguing that the film's graphic content was gratuitous and titillating. The film was subsequently banned in several countries, including Australia and the UK, and was heavily censored in others.